AVID Excel
An Introduction
English Learner College Readiness
Essential Question
What is AVID Excel?
English Learner College Readiness
AVID’s ELCR
AVID Mission
AVID’s mission is to close the achievement gap by preparing all
students for college readiness and success in a global society.
ELCR Mission
To ensure that English language
learners have full access to AVID and
college-preparatory coursework.
English Learner College Readiness
AVID’s ELCR
Components:
• AVID Excel
• Supporting ELLs in Math & Supporting
ELLs in Science Path Trainings
• ELL Write Path book & training
• Infusion of AVID into ELD courses
• Infusion of ELL strategies into the AVID
curriculum
English Learner College Readiness
AVID Excel’s Focus:
Long-Term ELLs
Why?
Most “stuck” subgroup
Require specific support
Acceleration
Access
Explicit instruction
Re-engagement
Relationships
Role models & “Believers”
English Learner College Readiness
Characteristics of
Long-Term ELLs
Designated ELL for
more than 6 years;
appear “stuck”
Most born in U.S.
and attended all
U.S. schools
Orally fluent in
English
(deceiving!)―BICS
Reading and
writing below
grade level—lack
CALP
Insufficient literacy in
primary language;
may use an informal
version of their
primary language
Often disengaged
with school; work
to stay “invisible”
(From California Tomorrow)
(From California Tomorrow)
English Learner College Readiness
AVID Excel Goal
Middle School
To interrupt students’ path to long-term ELL status,
accelerate their language acquisition, and put them on the
path to AVID and college preparatory coursework
English Learner College Readiness
AVID Excel Student Profile
US Schools: 4 years or more (as of
6th grade)—on the way to longterm ELL status
English Language Proficiency
Exam: Overall intermediate and
early advanced
ELA Standards Test: Below
proficient (basic level)
College Aspirations:
Interested in going to
college; desire to achieve
ELA Courses: Usually
scheduled for general ed.
ELA courses (vs. ELD/
ESL/ESOL)
English Learner College Readiness
Explore how heritage
language courses can be
available
to students as
Professional
pathway to biliteracy & AP
languageLearning
in high school;
pursue Seal of Biliteracy
Content area and AVID
Excel teachers
• 2 years
of targeted
AVID
ExcelPL
• Work together to plan
Coursework
instruction
• Ongoing PL/coaching with
AVIDAVID Excel District Leader
Working with families to Excel
Language development
build academic language
courses with AVID “overlay”
together
and support
• Summer
between
6th & 7th,
Middle
school college
“pre-AVID”
English
language
Family
Biliteracy
th
th
th &
readiness.
7
&
8
,
and
optional
8
development program for long-term
ELLs to accelerate
th
AVID Excel is part of AVID
9 Connections
grades
academic
language acquisition
and entrance to AVID
“family”—collaboration is
• 7th grade & 8th grade
and college preparatory
course work
encouraged.
Elective
AVID Excel
Course Sequence
7th Grade
Summer
7th Grade
Elective
8th Grade
Summer
8th Grade
Elective
9th Grade
AVID summer
(optional)
7th & 8th grade summers include community-based experiences
Common “Strands”






Reading
Writing
Oral Language
Academic Vocabulary
Study Skills
Self-determination/Leadership
English Learner College Readiness
AVID Excel Course Sequence
KEY FOCUS:
Academic language building
with AVID strategies for
support
AVID Excel
Course Sequence
AVID Excel is NOT:
An “AVID for ELL students class”
because:
• It is not part of AVID certification
• And the primary focus is LANGUAGE first
English Learner College Readiness
AVID Excel
Expansion
2013
2012
Pomona, CA
2011
Hillsborough, FL
2 MS
2010
2008
Garden
Grove, CA
(Original
Pilot)
5 MS
Riverside, CA
(Expanded
Pilot)
3 MS
Menifee, CA
3 MS
Tukwila, WA
Val Verde, CA
Vancouver, WA
Prosser, WA
Mt. Vernon, WA
San Jacinto, CA
Perris, CA
Corona-Norco, CA
Palm Beach, FL
Preliminary research (pilot sites)
shows…
• Increased motivation,
resilience, engagement, &
academic risk-taking
• Increased oral language use in
formal register
• College preparatory course
enrollment in HS
• AVID elective acceptance in HS
• Fewer D’s & F’s (based on
comparison group)
• Accelerated movement on
CELDT (CA English
Language Development
Test)
• Increase in performance
levels on CST ELA (CA
Standards Test)
…longitudinal data will give us ELL redesignation rate; HS
graduation rate; college preparatory course completion;
college application and acceptance rate
English Learner College Readiness
Appropriate Districts for
AVID Excel
• Underachieving long-term ELL subgroup
• Strong AVID reputation & feeder pattern (middle
level to high school)
• Commitment to college readiness for ELL
students
• Resources for curriculum, professional learning,
summer courses, tutors (Title I, III, EIA funds, &
grants, GEAR UP)
• AVID Excel District Leader designated (for
coaching & program oversight)
English Learner College Readiness
Jan-March
Beginning Implementation
Timeline
• Student recruitment
• Teacher selection
• Master schedule
planning
• AVID Excel Summer
Bridge planning
• Contract process –
March 1 contract
request deadline
Summer
• AVID Excel Summer
Bridge
• AVID Excel Elective
teacher training (2
days in summer)
• Fall planning
Spring
• AVID Excel Elective
teacher training (2 days
in April/May)
• Family engagement
• AVID Excel Summer
Bridge planning
English Learner College Readiness
Contact Information
elcr@avidcenter.org
(858) 380-4800
English Learner College Readiness