Cobb Schools have been using AVID, or Advancement Via Individual Determination, for two decades to prepare students for college and career readiness. Currently, the program is at 12 middle and high schools across the district. The foundational belief that more students can succeed in rigorous coursework (such as Honors and AP classes) when they have the appropriate support is at the core of AVID implementation.
AVID focuses on WICOR strategies: Writing, Inquiry, Collaboration, Organization, and Reading to support the development of foundational college and career skills. Students are also taught success skills often overlooked in core curricula, such as note-taking, organization, self-advocacy, test-taking, collaboration, inquiry, communication, and a variety of others. AVID students have access to weekly training sessions—often led by college tutors—to support and encourage them as they challenge themselves academically.
Emoni Love is one of Cobb's many AVID success stories. As a shy freshman who started high school at Wheeler amid the pandemic, Emoni was searching for community and how he would leverage his high school experience to future success. Thanks to the tools available to him through AVID, he transformed into an accomplished leader in his community and a rising freshman at the University of West Georgia.
Additionally, Emoni joined Osborne Assistant Principal Dr. Ben Needle as a speaker at the AVID 2024 Summer Institute in Orlando. Dr. Needle served as emcee of the general session, and Emoni spoke about his experience with AVID.
"At first, I was extremely nervous to speak at the conference, as I had never spoken to a group like this before," Emoni said. "As I practiced more and got comfortable with the people and space, I was able to gain confidence that allowed me to perform the best I could. It really meant so much to me to have not only my teachers but my team and my best friend there to make sure I was able to soar as a speaker. I am grateful that I was able to experience everything AVID had to offer for me in Orlando and share my story."
Dr. Needle emceed both the Orlando and Tampa Summer Institutes. 3600 educators attended in Orlando, and Tampa welcomed 4000. Dr. Needle has been part of starting and growing three AVID programs at Kell, Wheeler, and Osborne High Schools. The main focus of his two presentations was the students he taught through AVID and the successes they enjoyed.
As event emcee, Dr. Needle dove deep into AVID by welcoming and introducing three different speakers and charging the attendees to be the agents of change for their students by supporting their hopes and dreams.
"It was a joy to lead the general sessions and be a part of these inspiring stories of student and educator empowerment with AVID," Dr. Needle said about the Summer Institutes. "Helping to connect the student and educator stories with the audience and providing a compelling call to action was something I will never forget."
The General Sessions also included many other activities, as well as local student bands. The AVID Board of Directors, CEO Thuan Nguyen, and AVID's Founder and First Elective Teacher, Mary Catherine Swanson, were among the thousands in attendance at the Orlando event. Ms. Swanson began what is now a global program 44 years ago.
"This event was incredible, and our Cobb student and educator speakers were amazing!" exclaimed Vijay Koilpillia, Cobb's AVID Coordinator. "We are grateful to Dr. Needle and Emoni for sharing their experience and passion!"
