AVID promotes AP enrollment

The last day of her past AVID classes, Rebecca Clark, a social studies and AVID teacher at Glencoe, says that it is celebrated by having a “crying day.” It is a day she describes as being able to part ways with a family and to celebrate one another’s accomplishments.

“It’s a sad day, but it’s a really cool day because we talk about our memories with each other, and how far we’ve gotten. It isn’t a good bye though; it’s a see you later,” Clark said.

AVID, or Advancement Via Individual Determination, has been implemented at all four high schools in the Hillsboro School District for the past six academic school years. This college readiness program has been huge factor behind the increased enrollment of AP classes at Glencoe.

AVID, a nationally accredited program focuses on developing skills such as note- and test-taking strategies. It intends to get all students – especially those in the academic middle – ready for post secondary education and the workforce.

The class is rigorous. It requires all students to have taken and passed at least one AP class by the time they graduate, says Clark. AVID intends to break down the idea that you must already be a college level student academically, in order to take a college level class, a common stereotype that often comes along with the AP Curriculum. It is a common stereotype that often comes along with Advanced Placement classes.

“We want to help break the stigma behind taking AP classes. It’s ok to challenge yourself because hard work is not a bad thing,” Clark said. “We really hope to start to enroll kids into AP early and then keep that momentum going throughout high school.”

Analaura Mata, a senior AVID and AP Biology student knows that taking challenging AP courses is a way to jumpstart her future career plans.

“[AVID] has helped me by challenging myself, and has taught me that in order to be prepared for college, I need to take harder classes. I’m taking AP Biology, because even though it is hard, I know I need to prepare myself before I go into the medical field,” said Mata.

Since the 2010-2011 school year, the amount of students in AP classes has increased significantly among all students, increasing by 94 percent in the past four years. Hispanic students have had a 1350 percent increase in enrollment, higher than any other demographic.

“We’ve really worked on breaking down barriers that could prevent a student from taking an AP class, and AVID is a huge reason behind that,” said Principal Bob Macauley. “If anyone wants to be in an AP class, they should do it, and have the support available to succeed.”

Students have been advocating for an AP European History Class to be added to the curriculum, and many teachers see that as a positive sign between students and the AP curriculum.

“There needs to be a culture change. With this petition for AP Euro and the increasing numbers, you can see that the desire is there,” Clark said.

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