Here at RAHS, the answer lies in AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination), a program with a mission to close the opportunity gap by preparing ALL students for college and career readiness and success in a global society. On October 30th, RAHS will be hosting AVID Demonstration Day, an event dedicated to showcasing the impact of AVID strategies. AVID teachers. Mark Jaspers and Laura Şakirgil, both AVID elective teachers, shared information about AVID Demonstration Day.
Being an AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) Demonstration School means that a school has proven its ability to successfully implement the AVID system. These schools serve as models for other schools looking to adopt the AVID program and strategies, showcasing best practices in college readiness.
As Jaspers stated, “A school that uses best practice and those are AVID practices.”
Jaspers statement underlines the values of AVID, highlighting how Demonstration Schools exemplify these best practices, such as collaborative study groups and focused note-taking, in their mission to prepare students for college and career success.
AVID Demonstration Day is a professional development event where AVID supervisors and school leaders from other districts visit and observe AVID strategies in action.
As Şakirgil noted, ”other leaders from other buildings come and observe.”
Visitors witness collaborative study groups, focused note-taking, and inquiry-based learning.
Şakirgil said, “It might be teachers or administrators who are looking for ideas or who might be trying to get AVID in their classrooms.”
The goal is to provide educators with practical examples of how AVID strategies can enhance student engagement and achievement in their own schools. These visits offer a firsthand look at effective AVID implication.
A key worry of Jaspers about AVID Demonstration Day is that visitors will not be able to see everything. With so many cool AVID strategies in action, it’s impossible for everyone to witness them all.
Şakirgil is especially excited about the AVID demonstration day because of the truly exceptional things happening at our school, things that deserve to be shared. For Jaspers, the event is about opportunity-the chance so showcase the impact of student learning beyond the classroom.
As Jaspers put it, it’s a chance to “give our students an opportunity to see how their learning matters not only for them, but for others.”
Şakirgil echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the value of external recognition: “When other people get to see the good things that happen in our school,” it validates the hard work and dedication of both staff and students. This shared enthusiasm underscores the core purpose of the day: to inspire and empower educators by sharing the successes within our school community.
