Merriam Webster defines the word avid as characterized by enthusiasm and vigorous pursuit. That's exactly how students in our five AVID schools pursue their education with the goal of graduating college- and career-ready.

AVID stands for Advancement Via Individual Determination, and it's a research-backed college prep program which is offered at 7,500 schools across the country. Five of those schools are right here in Canyons School District. Eastmont Middle, Mount Jordan Middle, Glacier Hills Elementary, Sandy Elementary, and Jordan High School. Now, Eastmont is leading the charge having just been named an AVID Demonstration School, a rare distinction shared by only 1 percent of the nation’s AVID schools.

In this latest episode of Connect Canyons, Eastmont Principal Stacy Kurtzhals and Instructional Coach Susie Baer Young explain the work that goes into becoming an AVID Demonstration School, and how AVID is changing how teachers teach, and students learn.

Episode Chapters

00:27 Introduction to AVID

We learn what AVID means and how it is used in the classroom.

01:43 Understanding AVID's Impact on Students

Kurtzhals and Young outline how they’ve seen AVID directly impacting students in how they learn and grow.

02:34 Eastmont's Journey to Becoming a Demonstration School

The steps it took for Eastmont to become one of a handful of schools in the country where other educators look to for guidance on how to be an AVID school.

10:29 AVID Elective and College Readiness

We learn about the difference between attending an AVID school and how students can take separate AVID classes.

13:43 Encouraging Parent Involvement

How parents can get involved in their children’s educational journey.