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| Donna Rankin |
"It is such an honor to receive this award, which will allow more students in our school to benefit from AVID strategies and be able to learn the skills that will prepare them for college and their careers," said Rankin. "I want to help students develop the leadership skills, character strengths, and global awareness embedded in the AVID philosophy to take with them in their journey through life.”
Each educator will receive $10,000 to enhance AVID implementation at their school through conference attendance, classroom equipment and materials (including technology and books), professional development and academic coaching.
An anonymous donor generously provided funds to AVID Center to create an award that would give AVID educators in California additional resources to enhance their work with their students. The AVID Teacher Advocacy Award was developed to support California AVID Elective teachers and site team teachers; improve AVID teaching; retain AVID teachers; share best practices and professional learning; and further the AVID mission. The award was presented to five AVID educators in Sacramento, CA, at the General Session of AVID’s Summer Institute on July 9, 2013.
“These teachers exemplify AVID’s spirit and have become great advocates for college readiness for all on their campuses,” said AVID Executive Director Jim Nelson. “We hope this award allows them to continue to help more students achieve their dream of college success.”
AVID began in 1980 by Mary Catherine Swanson, then-head of the English department at San Diego's Clairemont High School. The federal courts issued an order to desegregate the city's schools, bringing large numbers of inner city students to suburban schools. While applauding the decision, Swanson wondered how these underserved students would survive at academically acclaimed Clairemont High.
It has evolved into a non-profit, proven college readiness system that closes the achievement gap.
Today, AVID is implemented in more than 4,900 schools in 45 states and 16 countries/ territories. AVID impacts more than 700,000 students in grades K-12, as well as students in 28 postsecondary institutions. The AVID College Readiness System transforms a school’s academic culture to increase the number of students who enroll in four-year colleges and succeed in higher education and training.



IN THE NEWS: Kearny High student is part of UT San Diego's Young Latino Scholars Program this summer.






They say Disneyland is a magical place where dreams come true.

Supt.
Cindy Marten and members of the district's Safe Schools Advisory
Committee will be leading the group. Participants will gather at the
corner of University Avenue and Normal Street between 8:30 and 11 a.m.
The district's contingent number is 63, zone G.
The
program, funding by a grant by the Jarrett Meeker Foundation, brings
the students from the City Heights school along with teachers and staff
to learn about Native American culture, San Diego county's plants and
animals and even the stars above.





As
I take the helm of the San Diego Unified School District, I would like
to express my special appreciation to Mr. Bill Kowba, who graciously
worked alongside me during my transition period. He navigated the
district through turbulent waters and leaves us with the positive
momentum to move ahead with our Vision 2020. My deepest gratitude to Mr.
Kowba for creating a solid foundation for our home.