AVID, an acronym for Advancement Via Individual Determination, is a program designed to increase school-wide learning and performance. The purpose of the AVID program, according to its founder Mary Catherine Swanson, is to restructure the teaching methods of an entire school and to open access to the curricula that will ensure four-year college eligibility to those students who are truly determined to succeed. Here, at Kirk Middle School AVID classes meet every other day and students are instructed in note taking skills, study skills, test taking, time management skills, effective textbook reading and library research skills. The curriculum covers writing, collaboration and reading. Students develop skills that will allow them to become successful in high school's honors and advance placement classes.

• Visit the AVID website