Contact

For more information contact Mariann Elizondo.

AVID is the acronym for Advancement Via Individual Determination. It is a college preparatory course whose mission is “to close the achievement gap by preparing all students for college readiness and success in a global society.”

At Murchison, we are proud to be a National AVID Highly Certified Site! We offer 6th, 7th and 8th grade AVID classes taught by Mariann Elizondo.

Who should take AVID?

• Students who want to attend college (a four-year university) after high school.
• Students who are willing to learn new skills that will support their success.
• Students who would like support in organization, public speaking, leadership, taking effective notes, effectively studying, self-advocacy and working collaboratively.
• Students who are motivated and care about their academic performance.

What do you do in AVID?

We learn college readiness skills and strategies that will help us maintain success both now and throughout college using the AVID Curriculum (Writing, Inquiry, Collaboration, Organization and Reading –referred to as WICOR). Higher Order Thinking is embedded in each activity. We use Socratic Seminars, Philosophical Chairs, Four Corner Debates, Jigsaws and many other best practice strategies to challenge and defend our thinking/learning.

We are required to bring higher level questions that we have from any of our core classes at the beginning of the week. We use these questions to have in-class (free) tutorials with peer and adult tutors to assist us in the process of finding solutions to our questions. We work together because that’s how learning happens best. We don’t give away answers, but rather pose more questions to help our peers solidify their own learning. This occurs in our Collaborative Study Groups.

We visit two to three colleges each year. We also have guest speakers and team building activities.

We use a strategy called the ABC’s. The A is our Agenda. Each week, we use our agenda to set SMART goals, to reflect on our learning from each class, and to keep organized on what’s coming up and/or needs to be turned in. The B is our Binder system. We use either a binder or folders, as well as a homework folder in which we keep up with our work for ALL of our classes. It really helps us to stay organized and on top of our work — especially homework. Our backpacks must be organized, too. The C is our Cornell Notes and focused note-taking. We must take notes and study them to improve our learning.

How do I get into the AVID class?

Step 1: Complete the AVID application by February 21, 2025.
Step 2: Set up an interview with the AVID teacher, Mariann Elizondo.
Step 3: In the interview, be sure to let Ms. Elizondo know you’re genuinely interested and be able to explain why you want to be in the class.
Step 4: If accepted into AVID, you will be required to take an advanced math class.
Step 5: After the interview, we will send letters letting you know your status! You will know your status by May!

AVID is an elective and is a full year course.

AVID is more than a class. It is a family of achievers. We work together to help each other reach our aspirations. For more information about AVID, contact Ms. Elizondo or visit the national website:  www.avid.org