| dc.description.abstract | AVID is a national nonprofit organization that takes a multifaceted approach on school campuses to close the achievement gap by preparing all students for college readiness and success in a global society. Since the AVID program was established at Boswell High School in 2009, enrollment numbers for the elective course have fluctuated continuously. This problem is not unique to the Boswell High School AVID program; prior research on AVID suggests that attrition is a problem for programs across the country. To explore the presence of factors that have the potential to contribute to program retention and attrition for students in the Boswell High School AVID elective course specifically, this study utilized a mixed methods study design: Data was gathered via a survey, interviews, and a focus group. The data collected in this project highlighted that most students enrolled in the Boswell High School AVID elective course greatly enjoy their experience. They report feeling like they have a family in AVID. However, a lack of academic press leaves students wanting a more rigorous learning experience. Without a clear and meaningful academic purpose, students report seeing AVID coursework as something “extra” that interferes with other commitments. Additionally, the AVID Site Coordinator reports a lack of schoolwide support for the AVID program, resulting in a breakdown in AVID practices that support course retention. Given that attrition occurs in AVID programs across the country, the findings from this study could be used to re-design AVID coursework for a more fulfilling academic experience at Boswell High School and in similar AVID programs. | en_US |
