CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – For the last five years, a tutoring program has been offered at a few select Clarksville-Montgomery County schools.

CMCSS spokesperson Anthony Johnson said the program – Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) – is unusual in that it’s offered as an elective. “AVID elective is offered as a class during the school day, so the hours vary by school. However, tutoring is offered at most schools on Tuesday and Thursday,” he said.

Johnson said AVID is a national program that fosters a safe and open culture, high expectations for teachers and students, and collaboration in all classrooms.

About the program

AVID was created in 1980 by Mary Catherine Swanson, head of the English Department at Clairemont High School in San Diego, California. There were 32 students who enrolled in the program that year. Of those, 30 students remained in AVID four years later, 28 enrolled in four-year universities and two enrolled in community colleges.

“AVID helps teachers shift from delivering content to facilitating learning, resulting in an inquiry-based, student-centric classroom,” he said. “The Class of 2023 will be CMCSS’ first group of AVID seniors. Students in AVID are encouraged to participate in rigorous coursework so that they leave high school with a solid foundation for work at the collegiate level. AVID students have visited college and university campuses and conducted research on post-secondary opportunities.”

Since the inception of the program, Johnson said, schools who implement AVID have seen increased interest in studies, and most campuses have added sections of the AVID elective.

Searching for new tutors

“CMCSS has around 20 AVID tutors currently, and we would love to have around 40. The tutors are important for providing small group support for our students and helping them problem solve as a collaborative group,” Johnson said.

“AVID’s mission is to close the opportunity gap by preparing all students for college readiness and success in a global society. AVID provides the structure, support and instructional tools to ensure all students graduate college- and career-ready. The tutorials are a core strategy of the AVID framework to support and empower students to tackle complex content and problem solve collaboratively. This prepares students for success at the postsecondary level and in their chosen futures.

AVID is offered at Kenwood, New Providence and West Creek Middle Schools, as well as Kenwood, Northwest, and West Creek High Schools. “Currently, we are working to build a solid foundation of the program in CMCSS with just a few schools before we start that expansion.”

After School Program Tutors

Johnson said there is another, more traditional tutoring program available.

“CMCSS Afterschool Program Tutor positions are available to current junior and senior students, recent CMCSS graduates attending college, and retired teachers,” Johnson said. “Tutors may be assigned to any of the eight area middle schools or seven area high schools, as determined by the program facilitators.”

“A successful tutor will assist with tasks such as reviewing student work including calendars, agendas, assignment sheets, and notes. A tutor’s most important role is serving as a facilitator for collaborative studying with a small group of students,” he said. “Training is provided for all tutors on facilitating the groups and supporting students to use positive study methods and the AVID study strategies when necessary. Tutors often serve as role models to encourage the students to stay motivated and develop strong study habits and life skills.”

Tutoring is a paid position that varies based on the applicant’s education. Tutors should be available a minimum of two days per week, one hour per day between the hours of 7:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Johnson said.

“Tutors provide our students with another example of positive adult influence,” said Schanda Doughty, director of Curriculum and Instruction 9-12. “The program provides students the tools they need to be successful members of the community, but the tutors provide that real-life example and the encouragement to succeed.”

Those interested in applying for tutoring positions can apply by going to the CMCSS hiring page.