AVID CLASS HOLDS DEBATE

By Vanessa Diaz

The Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) program, a globally recognized  nonprofit organization, has been instrumental in bridging the achievement gap  by equipping students with skills and strategies that prepare them for college and beyond. Mrs. Brown’s AVID class at our school stands as a testament to the program’s effectiveness. 

During a recent class. Mrs. Brown designated the day as a tutorial period. This is a common strategy in AVID, granting students the opportunity to catch up on assignments from other classes. The goal is to improve their overall academic performance. 

After the students had finished working on their assignments, the students decided to have a debate over several topics they felt were very important to each and every one of them. This was not an assignment that was given by Mrs. Brown, but a voluntary choice of the students. The energy in the room became one when they worked together to try and figure out solutions to each topic of the debate. 

The debate was about real-world situations that included critical thinking and communication skills that AVID emphasizes. Each student, regardless of their stance, showcased their ability to formulate arguments, listen respectfully to differing opinions, and articulate their thoughts clearly and persuasively.In essence, this event truly shows what AVID is all about. AVID isn’t just about improving academic performance, it’s about giving an environment that encourages self-directed learning, critical thinking, and active participation. Mrs. Brown’s class is a prime example that comes to show that when students are given the tools to take charge of their education, they can exceed even their own expectations.