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What are the potential drawbacks of using AVID in the classroom?

Manerva Pluck

Well, there are definitely some potential issues with using AVID in the classroom. For those who aren't familiar with it, AVID stands for Advancement Via Individual Determination, and it's basically a program designed to help students develop better academic and study skills. But as with any educational tool, there are always going to be some downsides.

First of all, I think one of the biggest potential drawbacks of using AVID is that it can be kind of time-consuming and complicated to implement. It involves a lot of training and preparation on the part of the teacher, and there are a bunch of different strategies and techniques that need to be used in order for it to be effective. Plus, it can be hard to get students fully on board with the program, especially if they're already feeling overwhelmed by their coursework or disengaged from school in general.

Another possible issue with AVID is that it focuses a lot on standardized testing and college readiness, which may not be priorities for all students or schools. Some people feel like this can create a narrow or limited view of what education should be about, and that the pressures of preparing for exams and applying to colleges can actually make students more anxious and less engaged in their learning.

There have also been some concerns raised about the cost of implementing AVID in schools. While the program is technically free, there are still expenses associated with things like training for teachers, purchasing materials, and hiring additional staff if necessary. This can be a barrier for cash-strapped schools or those located in low-income areas, which may have trouble affording these extra expenses.

Finally, I think there's always a risk that any program or educational approach can become too rigid or formulaic if it's not implemented thoughtfully. AVID is meant to be flexible and adaptable to different teaching styles and student needs, but there's always a danger of it becoming too prescriptive or rote if it's not approached with care. This can make it less effective, and may ultimately turn students off from the program entirely.

Overall, I think there are definitely some potential drawbacks to using AVID in the classroom. That being said, I also believe that it can be a useful tool for helping students develop the skills and mindset needed to succeed in school and beyond. Like with anything in education, it's all about finding the right fit for your students and your school, and figuring out how to use AVID in a way that is effective and accessible for everyone involved.