AVID
SANTA BARBARA HIGH SCHOOL
Changing the future...one student at a time.
You’ve Got Questions. We’ve Got Answers
FAQS
How are students recruited into the AVID program at SBHS?
Students are recommended into the program in several ways. If a student is already in AVID in 8th grade, they are given priority but typically all students who want to be in the program have to submit an online application. The applications are reviewed through a rigorous rubric and some students are asked to come in for an interview. Students that are in 9th or 10th grade who would like to be in the program are also encouraged to submit an application and be interviewed as well. For more information or to access an application, please contact Martha Acevedo, AVID & PEAC Counselor at macevedo@sbunified.org.
How does AVID and PEAC work together?
AVID was brought back to the Santa Barbara Unified District in 2006 after a long hiatus. What makes the program successful is the fact that it is a dedicated elective course where students have a teacher/coach and a dedicated curriculum that supports students in the rigorous coursework we want our students to take. PEAC was originally a partnership between La Cumbre Junior High school and San Marcos High School under the name POSSE. Three years ago the Program changed its name and was expanded to include all four junior highs and three high schools. PEAC supports AVID by providing the funding for a dedicated counselor at both SJHS and SBHS, who can meet with our students in a very personalized manner as well as with families. PEAC also provides the after-school tutoring centers and PEAC mentors who help support our students who are struggling. The last part is helping provide some of the funding for field trips to colleges and universities.
What are the requirements for AVID?
A student in AVID should have an average GPA of 3.00 or higher with no Ds or Fs. Students should be motivated to succeed in school and challenge themselves by taking rigorous coursework including Honors, AP, and dual enrollment courses at SBCC. AVID is not a motivational program. In fact, students have to want to improve to be in it. Students need to have strong test scores and a strong desire to succeed to be selected for AVID. This is why AVId stands for Advancment Via Individual Determination.
If a student enters AVID, will the results be immediate?
Not necessarily. It varies from student to student. The AVID strategies must be implemented and used continuously to see results. Students and parents that expect AVID to be a quick fix have unrealistic expectations. AVID works after the students learn the importance of the strategies and begin using them throughout high school in ALL of their classes. Some students see results as fast as the end of freshman year while others do not see those benefits emerge until later.