22.1-209.1:3 - Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) Programs - Virginia Statutes

§ 22.1-209.1:3. Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) Programs.

A. With such funds as may be appropriated by the General Assembly for thispurpose, local school boards may establish Advancement Via IndividualDetermination Programs in their respective school divisions to prepareat-risk students enrolled in the secondary grades in the public schools ofthe school division for post-secondary education eligibility.

B. Any school board adopting the Advancement Via Individual DeterminationProgram shall establish policies and guidelines to ensure compliance with theprovisions of this section. Programs established pursuant to subsection Ashall include the following components:

1. A procedure for identifying at-risk students enrolled in the secondarygrades in the public schools of the school division who demonstrate academicpotential, a desire to attend college, and the willingness to pursue arigorous academic program of study or the advanced studies program leading toeligibility for college admission;

2. A procedure for obtaining participation in or support for the program bythe parent, guardian or other person having charge or control of a childengaged in the program;

3. An agreement executed with a two-year or four-year institution of highereducation located within or in the proximity of the school division toprovide relevant support services including, but not limited to, access toadvanced course work, student mentorships and tutorials, and cultural andenrichment experiences;

4. A curriculum developed for intensive, accelerated instruction designed toestablish high standards and academic achievement for participating students;

5. An emphasis on college preparation and college awareness, access toadvanced level college preparatory courses at the high school level, buildingself-esteem and the promotion of personal and social responsibility, theavailability of support services for students enrolled in the AVID Program,and the development and fostering of a positive attitude toward learning andthe advantages of higher education;

6. A low pupil-teacher ratio to promote a high level of interaction betweenthe students and the teacher;

7. A current program of staff development and training in the organizationalstructure, instructional methods, strategies, and process used in and uniqueto the AVID Program for all teachers and administrators assigned to theprogram;

8. Community outreach to build strong school, business, and communitypartnerships, and to promote parental involvement in the educational processof participating children;

9. Specific, measurable goals and objectives and an evaluation component todetermine the program's effectiveness in preparing students participating inthe program for college, increasing academic achievement, and lessening theneed for remediation of such students who attend college.

C. Upon completion of the initial school year of the Advancement ViaIndividual Determination Program and at least annually thereafter, eachschool board implementing such program shall require submission of interimevaluation reports of the program. If funded by an appropriation pursuant tosubsection A, each school board having an Advancement Via IndividualDetermination Program shall report the status, effectiveness, and results ofsuch program no later than November 30 of the year following the completionof the initial school year to the Board of Education, which shall transmitsuch reports to the Governor and the General Assembly.

(1994, c. 864; 2005, c. 633.)