I cannot directly provide you with a PDF of Tracey Merritt's "Avid Bridges to Success: A Schoolwide Approach." Copyright restrictions prevent me from sharing copyrighted material. However, I can offer information about the book and strategies related to its core topic: implementing a school-wide approach to using Avid (Advancement Via Individual Determination) to improve student success.
Avid Bridges to Success: A Schoolwide Approach - Understanding the Core Concepts
Tracey Merritt's book likely details a comprehensive strategy for integrating Avid across an entire school. Avid is a college readiness program focused on developing essential skills and mindsets in students. A successful school-wide approach requires a multi-faceted plan involving:
1. Teacher Training and Support:
- What kind of training do teachers need? Successful implementation hinges on robust teacher training. Teachers require professional development focused on Avid's specific strategies, including collaborative learning, inquiry-based learning, and effective note-taking techniques. Ongoing support and mentoring are crucial for teachers to adapt these methods successfully into their classrooms.
- How can schools ensure ongoing support? Schools need to create a system of ongoing support, possibly including mentoring from experienced Avid teachers, regular professional development sessions, and collaborative planning time. Administrative buy-in and consistent support are critical here.
2. Curriculum Integration:
- How can Avid be integrated into various subjects? The key is not to add Avid as a separate subject but to weave its core principles (like collaborative structures, inquiry-based learning, and organizational skills) into existing curricula. This requires careful planning and collaboration among subject teachers.
- What are some examples of cross-curricular integration? For example, history teachers could incorporate collaborative research projects, science teachers could use inquiry-based labs, and English teachers could use collaborative writing workshops. The goal is consistent reinforcement of Avid’s principles across all subjects.
3. Student Selection and Support:
- How are students selected for Avid programs? Many schools use a holistic approach, considering factors beyond just academic achievement. This might include student motivation, leadership potential, and a demonstrated commitment to improvement.
- What supports are provided for students? Avid programs often provide additional tutoring, mentoring, and academic advising to ensure students have the support they need to succeed. This might include after-school tutoring programs, college counseling services, and access to additional resources.
4. Parent and Community Involvement:
- How can parents be involved? Engaging parents is vital. Schools can do this through regular communication, parent workshops, and opportunities for parents to volunteer in the Avid program.
- How can the community be involved? Partnerships with local colleges, businesses, and community organizations can enrich the Avid experience, providing opportunities like internships, mentoring, and guest speakers.
5. Assessment and Evaluation:
- How do you measure the success of a school-wide Avid program? Measuring the program's effectiveness requires a comprehensive assessment plan that goes beyond standardized test scores. This might include tracking student grades, attendance, graduation rates, and college acceptance rates. Qualitative data, such as student feedback and teacher observations, is also crucial.
- How are adjustments made based on evaluation? Regular evaluation should lead to continuous improvement of the program. This might involve adjusting curriculum, training, or support based on data and feedback.
While I can't provide the PDF, hopefully, this overview of the key components of a school-wide Avid approach provides valuable information and answers some common questions you might have had about the book. Remember to research your local library and educational resources for potential access to the book.
