"How AVID levels the playing field, helping underserved students come out ahead In Question Everything, award-winning education writer Jay Mathews presents the stories and winning strategies behind the Advancement Via Individual Determination program (AVID). With the goal of preparing students for the future - whether that future includes college or not - AVID teaches students the personal management skills that will help them survive and thrive. Focused on time management, presentation, and cooperation, the AVID program leads not only to impressive educational outcomes, but also to young adults prepared for life after school. This book tells the stories of AVID educators, students, and families to illustrate how and why the program works, and demonstrates how teachers can employ AVID's strategies with their own students. Over the past thirty years, AVID has grown from a single teacher's practice to an organization serving 400,000 middle- and high-school students in 47 states and 16 countries. Question Everything describes the ideas and strategies behind the upward trajectory of both the program and the students who take part. Learn which foundational skills are emphasized for future success Discover how AVID teaches personal management skills in the academic context Contrast AVID student outcomes with national averages Consider implementing AVID concepts and techniques into current curricula As college readiness becomes a top priority for the Federal Government, the Gates Foundation, and other influential organizations, AVID's track record stands out as one of success. By leveling the playing field and introducing "real-world" realities early on, the program teaches students skills that help them in the workplace and beyond"-- Provided by publisher.

Includes index.

Machine generated contents note: Introduction Taking AVID Home Tortuous Journey of a Teacher's Idea Boise Schools Changed by Love "Prove to Me You Got an A in Everything" Showing America How to Take Notes Teachers Afraid of Tough Courses Asking Rather than Answering Questions Bringing the Power of Tutoring to El Cajon High Santa Barbara Rejects AVID "Our Teachers Said We Couldn't Take the Test" AVID on 60 Minutes II Changing the Mess at Bell Gardens High Three Full Days at the Summer Institute: A Crash Course in AVID "I Don't Care If I Have To Haul You Down Myself." Losing It in Atlanta Inside Tutoring "Don't Give Me That, Akila." Looking for More Mr. Searcys Struggles of an Average AVID Program A Friend, A Teacher, A Mentor Checklist for AVID Greatness All Students Need More of a Challenge Taking AVID to the Other Side of the World New York Site Team's Philadelphia Adventure "Precious Is Making a Big Mistake" Escaping Death, Making AVID Cost Effective Research Results: Slow Groups Make You Dumb Surprise Leader Creates Giant AVID District Up and Down in Chicago "From 7-Eleven to AVID" Spreading AVID to Elementary School and College A Veteran Superintendent Becomes AVID Leader .