AVID

Ballou ninth graders have the opportunity to enroll in the college preparatory AVID elective course.  Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) is an in-school academic support program for grades seven through twelve. The purpose of the program is to prepare students for college eligibility and success.  AVID students are typically first time college-goers in their families, from low-income backgrounds, and are capable of completing a rigorous curriculum but are falling short of their potential. AVID helps students develop agency, relational capacity, and opportunity knowledge.  The course is taught by AVID Trained teacher, Brett Kapels.   Over 75% of the Ballou staff are trained and practice school side AVID strategies. 

What Happens in an AVID Class Each Week?

• Strategies for success.
• College and careers.
• Improving writing and critical reading skills.
• Developing communication skills (oral and written)
• Quickwrites and reflections.
• Focused note-taking practice and strategies for improvement.
• Organization.