HI HR187

Urges the Hawaii Department of Education to expand the Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) program by offering more AVID elective courses in public high schools.

Describes AVID as a college-readiness system designed to increase four-year college enrollment, targeting underserved students in the academic middle who desire college attendance.

Notes that AVID students learn organizational and study skills, critical thinking, and receive peer and college tutor support during elective class periods.

Cites that 92 percent of 2009 AVID graduates planned to attend college, with 60 percent targeting four-year institutions and 32 percent targeting two-year institutions.

Identifies that as of 2009-2010, Hawaii had 58 AVID sites including 19 high schools and 5 combination high schools, with potential for further expansion.