For the past few years, AVID has always had the same requirements, but this year is different. The old requirement for the AVID students to keep them on task and organized was to carry a binder and, as of last year, to have all notes on the laptops. Now students are able to make the decision for themselves. The binder checks every other Thursday are now called “Notes and Planner Checks” in which students have a choice to either use the new spiral Cornell notebooks that have a tab for each class, or they can choose to use a binder.

Mrs. Popejoy, the freshman and junior AVID teacher said, “AVID center, in San Diego, prompted the positive changes, and have made the program more open-ended, as well as more collaborative so that students can be more successful when they go to college.” These changes are to improve and update the AVID expectations based around what new requirements colleges are focusing on.

When students are given the privilege of choice it brings them to the discovery of organizational habits that are the most beneficial to them. Popejoy also spoke on the positive effects of choice: “We allow students to individualize their own organizational tools for success, and we have found that letting them have that freedom increases the potential for them to do well.” The AVID team is well-known for going above and beyond to make sure their students achieve college success.

This year, AVID is highlighting the importance of community service, and just overall being a good citizen in your community. “We believe that the extra changes we’ve made are putting more emphasis on leadership, community service, and more quality expectations to make a better student,” stated Popejoy. One of the biggest questions is: Are these changes impacting the students in a positive way? Popejoy then responded with, “I believe the changes we’ve made are already helpful because we’re already seeing an increased student progress in terms of them doing better on tests, and in terms of them becoming a holistic leader.” AVID is constantly adapting to college expectations internationally in a way for their students to understand the path to success.