Merriam Webster defines the word avid as characterized by enthusiasm and vigorous pursuit. That's exactly how students in our five AVID schools pursue their education with the goal of graduating college- and career-ready.

AVID stands for Advancement Via Individual Determination, and it's a research-backed college prep program which is offered at 7,500 schools across the country. Five of those schools are right here in Canyons School District. Eastmont Middle, Mount Jordan Middle, Glacier Hills Elementary, Sandy Elementary, and Jordan High School. Now, Eastmont is leading the charge having just been named an AVID Demonstration School, a rare distinction shared by only 1 percent of the nation’s AVID schools.

In this latest episode of Connect Canyons, Eastmont Principal Stacy Kurtzhals and Instructional Coach Susie Baer Young explain the work that goes into becoming an AVID Demonstration School, and how AVID is changing how teachers teach, and students learn.
00:27 Introduction to AVID and Connect Canyons

01:27 Meet the Guests: Principal and Instructional Coach

01:43 Understanding AVID's Impact on Students

02:34 Eastmont's Journey to Becoming a Demonstration School

03:25 AVID's Implementation and Student Achievements

05:00 The Role of Collaboration and Note-Taking

08:46 Celebrating Eastmont's Success

10:29 AVID Elective and College Readiness

13:43 Encouraging Parent Involvement

14:50 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

20:16 Conclusion and Contact Information