State Senator Scott Bright Visits AVID Demonstration School

“The true test of KNOWING if you understand something is teaching it.” - Hanifa Adam, Greeley West High School AVID Student

On Tuesday, state senator Scott Bright, who represents Colorado’s 13th Senate District, visited Greeley West High School to learn about the school’s use of AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination). Coming from a family of educators and owning ABC Child Development Centers, Senator Bright is a staunch advocate for K-12 education, and was excited to see AVID in action.

AVID is a comprehensive college and career readiness program for elementary through high school students. The program uses specific teaching curricula and strategies such as WICOR (Writing, Inquiry,

Collaboration, Organization, and Reading). WICOR strategies prepare students for college and career by:

• Building study skills; 
• Teaching time management strategies;
• Increasing comprehension through written note-taking;
• Pushing students to teach and learn during collaborative, student-led study sessions;
• Using AVID in daily classes.

Senator Bright heard from a panel of AVID students and AVID Facilitator David Falter. The panel shared how the focus on written notes and peer collaboration has increased their comprehension of material and prepared them for their dream careers in Veterinary Science, Law, Animation, and Education. David Falter emphasized the staff and administration’s commitment to strong instructional practices. The commitment to college and career readiness has given Greeley West staff the autonomy to create additional AVID elective classes that would benefit the students and further incorporate AVID practices into regular classes. 

Greeley West has been a recognized AVID National Demonstration school since 2013 and was recertified in April. AVID National Demonstration Schools are exemplary models of the AVID College Readiness System. These schools showcase best, wide-spread instructional practices in WICOR. Greeley West will serve as an AVID showcase model for educators from other schools to visit, observe, and learn from. 

Thank you for visiting and learning, Senator Bright!