More than 80 educators from around the state gathered at Woodland Elementary on November 30 to learn about the Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) program. It was an opportunity for Woodland Elementary to represent all Puyallup schools as they showcased the district’s commitment and implementation of AVID strategies.

The AVID program uses proven practices to teach students note-taking, organization, collaboration, and higher levels of questioning skills. Students in the AVID elective class at the secondary level have the opportunity to take field trips and tour local colleges.

The Puyallup School District has embraced the AVID K-12 system to help close the achievement gap by preparing all students for college readiness and success in a global society. Beginning in 2005 at Emerald Ridge High School with one class, the district made the commitment to grow the program to all schools, except for Walker Alternative High School which is the final school slated to receive AVID training. Today AVID practices are in 31 schools and the district has invested in extensive training for staff.

Superintendent Tim Yeomans addressed the visitors at Woodland, explaining Puyallup administration and educators are committed and have made an investment in AVID. “We start in kindergarten teaching our kids to be organized. As they advance in grades they learn to take notes, and questioning skills. What AVID does for them is give them tools to be successful,” said Yeomans.

The visitors toured Woodland in groups where they received a first-hand look at AVID strategies being used in the classroom.

“When we think about what ‘we’ are about, we think about ‘each child’ — AVID helps us focus on each child.”  Superintendent Tim Yeomans
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Nancy French
frenchnl@puyallup.k12.wa.us