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AVID

 

AVID at Preston Elementary

At Preston Elementary, we are proud to be an AVID Elementary school! AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) is part of the AVID College Readiness System, which helps all students build the skills, confidence, and mindset they need to be successful in school, college, and beyond. The goal of AVID is to close the achievement gap by preparing every student for success in a global society.

AVID Elementary focuses on students in grades 3–5, with supports that can begin as early as Kindergarten through 2nd grade. It is not a separate program or class—AVID strategies are built into daily classroom instruction for all students across each grade level.

At Preston Elementary, AVID helps students:

  • Stay organized and take responsibility for their learning

  • Think critically and ask thoughtful questions

  • Work collaboratively with others

  • Strengthen reading and writing skills

A key part of AVID is developing a growth mindset—the belief that through effort, perseverance, and determination, all students can learn and achieve at high levels.

AVID also emphasizes WICOR, which stands for Writing, Inquiry, Collaboration, Organization, and Reading. These strategies, along with high expectations and academic rigor, help create a strong culture of college and career readiness throughout our school.

Through AVID, Preston Elementary students learn to believe in themselves, develop lifelong learning habits, and dream big about their futures!

What is AVID at Preston Elementary?

At Preston Elementary, AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) helps students build the skills and mindset they need to succeed in school and beyond. Every day, students practice strategies for writing, reading, thinking critically, staying organized, and working together, setting a strong foundation for future success in middle school, high school, and college.

AVID is more than a program—it’s a schoolwide approach that encourages students to believe in themselves, aim high, and develop the habits and confidence to achieve their goals.
 

AVID Elementary Certification – Ensuring Quality at Preston Elementary

At Preston Elementary, we are committed to maintaining the highest standards in our AVID Elementary program. Each year, AVID schools participate in a Certification process to ensure that AVID strategies and practices are being implemented effectively across all classrooms.

This annual review helps our teachers and staff stay aligned with AVID’s mission, the AVID Essentials, and state academic standards. Through this process, we reflect on our progress, use data to guide instruction, and continue strengthening the strategies that help all students succeed.

To earn and maintain AVID Certification, a school must:

  • Embrace AVID’s philosophy of preparing every student for success

  • Integrate AVID strategies and expectations into daily classroom instruction

  • Demonstrate a strong culture of college and career readiness

Certification is an important part of ensuring that AVID at Preston Elementary continues to provide students with the skills, mindset, and opportunities they need to thrive—now and in the future.

Preston Elementary – An AVID Elementary School

At Preston Elementary, every student benefits from the AVID Elementary program. AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) equips students with the academic and organizational skills they need to become confident, independent learners.

Each day, students engage in AVID instructional strategies that build higher-level thinking, writing, reading, and organization skills. These strategies help prepare students for success in future AVID programs in middle and high school—and ultimately, for college and career readiness.

AVID Elementary uses a systemic approach through three key areas: Beginnings, Foundations, and Bridges. These resources and practices are designed to support students at every grade level as they grow in their academic journey.

AVID Elementary Essentials

Essential One: Instruction
Instruction in AVID Elementary classrooms is built on WICOR—Writing, Inquiry, Collaboration, Organization, and Reading—as well as L-WICOR (Learning to Write, Inquire, Collaborate, Organize, and Read). These strategies help students think critically, communicate effectively, and take ownership of their learning.

Essential Two: Culture
AVID Elementary promotes a college-ready culture where all students are challenged with rigorous, relevant, and engaging learning opportunities. Every classroom encourages curiosity, perseverance, and a belief in one’s ability to grow and achieve.

Essential Three: Leadership
AVID leadership at Preston Elementary provides guidance and support to ensure that AVID strategies are effectively implemented for all students. Our leaders model collaboration, high expectations, and a commitment to continuous improvement.

Essential Four: System
Preston Elementary aligns its systems using AVID’s Pillars of Excellence—accountability, articulation, assessment, and calibration. These ensure consistency, quality, and excellence in every aspect of AVID implementation across our school.

At Preston Elementary, AVID is more than a program—it’s a schoolwide approach to learning that helps every student believe in themselves, set goals, and prepare for a bright future.