Bedichek Middle School was selected to join the ranks of approximately 140 Advancement Via Individual Determination National Demonstration Schools. AVID is a kindergarten through postsecondary curriculum that has turned thousands of underperforming students into confident, college-going scholars and graduates.

"It is a tremendous honor to be selected as a demo, and we are proud of our AVID program and our school as a whole," Bedichek Middle School Principal Dan Diehl said. "The use of AVID strategies schoolwide has positively impacted students and staff, and we continue to see a more engaged and college-ready student body. The AVID college readiness system has been the primary catalyst as we have transformed the academic performance and culture of our school."

As part of the AVID Demonstration Sites Network, sites are expected to develop a model program with schoolwide participation using AVID's methodologies.

"Students are required to keep a detailed binder and take notes in the Cornell note-taking style," Diehl said.

Since implementing AVID, Bedichek has seen numerous results. In-school suspensions have dropped from nearly 200 to under 40, a record number of students are now taking algebra and 100% of students passed the algebra end of course exam last spring.

Schools from around the world preparing to implement the AVID system visit demonstration schools, such as Bedichek, to observe a fully developed AVID system.

"Schools chosen as demonstration sites have proven their ability to successfully implement the AVID academic elective course and take the strategies school-wide to impact all students," AVID Chief Executive Officer Sandy Husk said.

For information on the announcement, please call (512) 414-2414.