Four European DoDEA schools recognized as AVID Schoolwide Sites of Distinction | Article

Four schools in DoDEA Europe have earned AVID Schoolwide Site of Distinction recognition, a prestigious honor that highlights the schools’ commitment to implementing AVID education best practices across all content areas and grade levels. The accredited schools are Vilseck High School, Kaiserslautern Middle School, Rota Middle High School and Spangdahlem Middle School.

The AVID Schoolwide Site of Distinction designation is awarded to only 6% of high schools in the AVID system. This distinction underscores DoDEA’s commitment to expanding AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) beyond the AVID elective classroom and promoting instructional strategies that benefit all students.

Kaiserslautern Middle School has held AVID Schoolwide Site of Distinction status since the 2019-20 school year, with an AVID coordinator from school years 2020-21 through 2023-24, serving approximately 17% of the student population.

Spangdahlem Middle School, an AVID participant since 2013, serves approximately 17% of its students, with an AVID coordinator in place since the 2021-2022 school year.

Rota Middle High School, which joined AVID in 1993, serves approximately 12% of its student body and focuses on preparing all seniors for life after high school. The school has had an AVID coordinator since 2018-2019.

Vilseck High School, one of DoDEA’s longest AVID participants since 1990, serves approximately 13% of its students and has employed a dedicated AVID coordinator since 2017-2018.

“We are incredibly proud of our schools for achieving AVID Schoolwide Site of Distinction recognition,” said Dr. Michelle Howard-Brahaney, director of DoDEA Europe for Excellent Students. “This honor reflects the commitment of our teachers and leaders to foster a culture of academic rigor and college and career readiness in all classrooms. Through the AVID program, we equip our students with the skills they need to succeed both inside and outside the classroom, setting them up for lifelong success.”

“This recognition as an AVID Schoolwide Site of Distinction is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our faculty, staff and students,” said Quintin Davis, principal of Vilseck High School. “Our school community has embraced the AVID approach, creating a culture of high expectations and support for all students.”

The AVID Schoolwide Site of Distinction designation is based on performance in the Secondary Coaching and Certification Instrument (CCI), which evaluates implementation in four domains: instruction, systems, leadership and culture. To qualify, schools must meet stringent benchmarks across all domains and achieve five key metrics, including academic support structures and performance measures.

For more information about the AVID program, visit the AVID website.