The Impact of AVID Participation on Academic and Non-Academic Measures ofCollege Readiness

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to analyze the relationships between enrollment inAVID and the academic and non-academic facets of college readiness as measures of thesuccess of Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID). The data were analyzedto determine 1) the academic impact of AVID enrollment on college readiness; 2) AVIDparticipants’ perceptions of the impact of Program Components and Program Benefits;and 3) the extent to which a relationship existed between the perceived impact of AVIDProgram Components and measurable Program Benefits and a) the number of yearsstudents were enrolled in AVID and b) high school grade level.The results of hypothesis testing revealed a statistically significant difference inacademic achievement as measured by the KCA math test between participants and nonparticipants. Further, analyses revealed marginally statistically significant differences inacademic achievement as measured by the PLAN and GPA between participants andnon-participants. Statistically significant differences were not found in academicachievement as measured by the ACT and KCA reading test between participants andnon-participants. Results also indicated statistically significant relationships existedbetween students’ perceived impact of the non-academic facets of college readinessrelated to Program Components and their degree of improvement in Program Benefits.Finally, results indicated a statistically significant relationship between an AVIDstudent’s grade level in high school and the student’s overall perception of thehelpfulness of the Program Components, as well as a relationship between grade leveland the perceived degree of improvement in the areas of Program Benefits. As schoolsand districts across the United States continue to strive to meet the demands of NCLB mandates, provide teaching and learning environments that prepare graduates forpostsecondary success, and search for just the right CSRP that fits varied school anddistrict demographic profiles, it will be critical to continue this research to determine theimpact of AVID enrollment on college and career readiness.