English Learner College Readiness

AVID ExcelAn Introduction

English Learner College Readiness

Essential Question

What is AVID Excel?

English Learner College Readiness

AVID’s ELCR

AVID MissionAVID’s mission is to close the achievement gap by preparing all students for college readiness and success in a global society.

ELCR MissionTo ensure that English language

learners have full access to AVID and college-preparatory coursework.

English Learner College Readiness

AVID’s ELCR

Components:

• AVID Excel• Supporting ELLs in Math & Supporting ELLs in

Science Path Trainings

• ELL Write Path book & training

• Infusion of AVID into ELD courses• Infusion of ELL strategies into the AVID

curriculum

English Learner College Readiness

AccelerationAccessExplicit instructionRe-engagementRelationshipsRole models & “Believers”

Why?Most “stuck” subgroup Require specific support

AVID Excel’s Focus: Long-Term ELLs

English Learner College Readiness

Characteristics of Long-Term ELLs

Designated ELL for more than 6 years;

appear “stuck”

Most born in U.S. and attended all

U.S. schools

Orally fluent in English

(deceiving!)―BICS

Reading and writing below

grade level—lack CALP

Insufficient literacy in primary language;

may use an informal version of their

primary language

Often disengaged with school; work to stay “invisible”

(From California Tomorrow)(From California Tomorrow)

English Learner College Readiness

To interrupt students’ path to long-term ELL status, accelerate their language acquisition, and put them on the

path to AVID and college preparatory coursework

AVID Excel GoalMiddle School

English Learner College Readiness

US Schools: 4 years or more (as of 6th grade)—on the way to long-term ELL status

English Language Proficiency Exam: Overall intermediate and early advanced

ELA Standards Test: Below proficient (basic level) College Aspirations:

Interested in going to college; desire to achieve

ELA Courses: Usually scheduled for general ed. ELA courses (vs. ELD/ ESL/ESOL)

AVID Excel Student Profile

Professional Learning

AVID Excel Coursework

Biliteracy Family Connections

AVID Excel

Middle school “pre-AVID” English language development program for long-term ELLs to accelerate academic

language acquisition and entrance to AVID and college preparatory course work

Content area and AVID Excel teachers • 2 years of targeted PL • Work together to plan

instruction• Ongoing PL/coaching with

AVID Excel District LeaderLanguage development courses with AVID “overlay”• Summer between 6th & 7th,

7th & 8th, and optional 8th & 9th grades

• 7th grade & 8th grade Elective

Working with families to build academic language together and support college readiness.AVID Excel is part of AVID “family”—collaboration is encouraged.

Explore how heritage language courses can be available to students as pathway to biliteracy & AP language in high school; pursue Seal of Biliteracy

English Learner College Readiness

AVID Excel Course Sequence

7th Grade Summer

7th Grade Elective

8th Grade Summer

8th Grade Elective

9th Grade AVID summer

(optional)

Common “Strands” Reading Writing Oral Language Academic Vocabulary Study Skills Self-determination/Leadership

7th & 8th grade summers include community-based experiences

KEY FOCUS:Academic language building

with AVID strategies for support

AVID Excel Course Sequence

English Learner College Readiness

An “AVID for ELL students class” because:

• It is not part of AVID certification• And the primary focus is LANGUAGE first

AVID Excel is NOT:

AVID Excel Course Sequence

Garden Grove, CA(Original Pilot)5 MS

Riverside, CA(Expanded Pilot)3 MS

Hillsborough, FL2 MSMenifee, CA3 MS

Tukwila, WAVancouver, WAMt. Vernon, WA San Jacinto, CA Perris, CACorona-Norco, CAPalm Beach, FL

Pomona, CA Val Verde, CAProsser, WA

AVID Excel Expansion

2008

2010

2011

20122013

English Learner College Readiness

• Increased motivation, resilience, engagement, & academic risk-taking

• Increased oral language use in formal register

• College preparatory course enrollment in HS

• AVID elective acceptance in HS

• Fewer D’s & F’s (based on comparison group)

• Accelerated movement on CELDT (CA English Language Development Test)

• Increase in performance levels on CST ELA (CA Standards Test)

Preliminary research (pilot sites) shows…

…longitudinal data will give us ELL redesignation rate; HS graduation rate; college preparatory course completion; college application and acceptance rate

English Learner College Readiness

• Underachieving long-term ELL subgroup• Strong AVID reputation & feeder pattern (middle

level to high school)• Commitment to college readiness for ELL

students• Resources for curriculum, professional learning,

summer courses, tutors (Title I, III, EIA funds, & grants, GEAR UP)

• AVID Excel District Leader designated (for coaching & program oversight)

Appropriate Districts for AVID Excel

English Learner College Readiness

Jan-March• Student recruitment• Teacher selection• Master schedule

planning• AVID Excel Summer

Bridge planning• Contract process –

March 1 contract request deadline

Spring• AVID Excel Elective

teacher training (2 days in April/May)

• Family engagement• AVID Excel Summer

Bridge planning

Summer• AVID Excel Summer

Bridge• AVID Excel Elective

teacher training (2 days in summer)

• Fall planning

Beginning Implementation Timeline

English Learner College Readiness

Contact Information

elcr@avidcenter.org

(858) 380-4800