January 26, 2007
Carson JHS once again wowed educators and evaluators by achieving continued status as a Nationally Certified AVID Demonstration Site. The Advancement Via Individual Determination program began at Carson nine years ago. Targeting students in fifth through twelfth grade in the academic middle who want to go to college and are willing to work hard to do so, AVID provides the support to develop learning skills. Students gain entry into Advanced Placement and Honors courses to become competitive for nationally ranked colleges and universities. The Carson Avid team includes more than thirty teachers who are led by Coordinator Pam Garland. AVID teachers receive extensive and on-going training to provide guidance and direction in AVID methodologies.

The visiting AVID team learned about our program from Carson students. They also visited classrooms and interviewed students and teachers.

Students in the AVID program take some of the school’s most challenging courses as well as an AVID elective that stresses organizational and study skills. The program helps them learn critical-thinking skills, provides academic support from peers and tutors, and provides enrichment and motivational activities.

Carson ’s commitment to the AVID program has benefited hundreds of students who might not have otherwise considered college as part of their future.