Building a Strong AVID Implementation, One Step at a Time
Strong AVID implementation begins with a clear focus. At both the elementary and secondary level, quality implementation is built over time through intentional structures, reflective practice, and shared commitment to continuous improvement. AVID’s implementation tools provide a systematic continuum for schools to strengthen foundational practices first, and then expand impact to reach more students across a campus over time. Designed as growth-focused planning and coaching resources, not one time evaluations, the tools help Site Teams examine current practice, align efforts to AVID’s core components, and take purposeful next steps that deepen implementation.
Preview the Tools and Access Supporting Resources
Under the Certification tab on MyAVID, PDF previews of the 2026–2027 Elementary Implementation Tool and 2026–2027 Secondary Implementation Tool are available. Additional planning and implementation resources can also be found there:
- Certification and Data Timeline
- AVID Professional Learning Modules
- Site Team Planning Resources
We are here for you! Questions about the implementation tools can be directed to AVID Care at 1-833-284-3227 or AVIDCare@avid.org.
Learn more by exploring the tabs below.
Building Strong Foundations for Student Success
Strong AVID implementation at the elementary level begins with intentional, developmentally appropriate instruction. The 2026–2027 Elementary Implementation Tool supports schools in strengthening core AVID practices while building coherence across classrooms, grade levels, and systems.
Grounded in the AVID Elementary Research Study and refined through partner feedback, the tool reflects what matters most for elementary learners by supporting schools to:
- Develop the skills, knowledge, and behaviors that students need for successful transitions to the next level.
- Ensure that instruction is developmentally appropriate, coherent, and increasingly rigorous for all students.
- Build student agency and leadership skill development as students grow from guided participation toward greater ownership of their learning.
- Use student data to inform instructional decisions and systems of support.
- Strengthen horizontal calibration and vertical articulation across classrooms and grade levels.
- Connect learning to early career awareness in age‑appropriate ways.
- Reinforce leadership actions that deepen quality implementation.
Four Domains, One Coherent System
Organized around the four AVID Schoolwide Domains—Instruction, Systems, Leadership, and Culture—the Elementary Implementation Tool includes Indicators representing essential components for high-quality AVID Elementary implementation and annual certification.
These Domains frame the actions that Site Teams take as they collaboratively reflect on practice, calibrate evidence to develop a shared understanding of implementation, and plan next steps. The Indicators reflect practices highlighted in the AVID Elementary Research Study, demonstrating how strong AVID Elementary implementation supports lasting student benefits beyond the elementary years.
Aligned to the AVID Essential Skills
Many indicators align directly to the AVID Essential Skills: Elementary Descriptors, strengthening coherence from daily instruction to site‑level systems. The descriptors are scaffolded across PreK–6, reflecting a gradual release of responsibility and clarifying what students know and can do by the end of each grade band.
Built With Partners, Tested in AVID Elementary Schools
The Elementary Implementation Tool was refined through nationwide partner pilots and validated through research and data analysis. Partner feedback informed Indicator clarity, grade‑band differentiation, and usability, ensuring that the tool reflects real elementary instructional practice.
Learn More
- Leaders are invited to register and participate in upcoming professional learning. Our AVID Elementary Implementation Tool: A Systematic Pathway to Quality Implementation virtual session is being offered across multiple days and times.
The Elective Is the Foundation
A strong AVID Elective is the foundation of effective AVID implementation.
The AVID Elective serves students in the academic middle and supports them in succeeding with a full schedule of rigorous courses every day. Its impact is greatest when it works in conjunction with core academic classes, where students experience consistent routines, inquiry‑based instruction, and academic rigor as they move from class to class.
Because quality implementation takes sustained effort and thoughtful reflection, the Secondary Implementation Tool helps schools:
- Examine the strength of their AVID Elective.
- Identify clear opportunities for growth.
- Plan purposeful next steps that deepen impact over time.
In essence, this tool is meant to be used primarily as a planning guide, not a one‑time evaluation.
From a Strong Elective to System Impact
The Secondary Implementation Tool consists of two connected parts:
- Elective Certification
- Schoolwide Recognition
All AVID Secondary schools use the Elective Certification section to reflect on and strengthen the AVID Elective. Schools move on to the Schoolwide Recognition section when they are ready to reflect on broader implementation. Some schools may choose to focus exclusively on the AVID Elective as they build depth and consistency. Other schools may be ready to examine how AVID practices are taking root across the campus.
What’s New for 2026–2027?
The 2026–2027 Secondary Implementation Tool builds on the existing structure while offering greater clarity and precision to better reflect real classroom practice.
Clearer Indicator Language
Based on partner feedback, several Indicators were refined to reduce ambiguity and clarify expectations. The number of Indicators remains the same, but the updated language makes it easier for teams to:
- Develop a shared understanding of strong implementation.
- Calibrate evidence more consistently.
- Use the tool as a meaningful reflection and planning resource.
More Precise Support for the AVID Elective and AVID Excel Elective
New insights from AVID Excel research informed targeted refinements to the tool. Five high-leverage Indicators now differentiate between AVID Elective and AVID Excel Elective implementation.
This allows schools implementing one or both models to:
- Reflect on each program more accurately.
- Monitor progress with greater precision.
- Better align expectations to student experiences.
