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Levy teachers say year-long AVID certification changed classroom practice, cite student gains
Summary
Teachers told the Levy County School Board that a year-long AVID Certified Educator program changed instruction by boosting student engagement, clearer learning objectives and diagnostic teaching; presenters cited classroom metrics and described cohort-based professional learning and a required capstone project.
Teachers and district staff told the Levy County School Board that a year-long AVID Certified Educator program has shifted classrooms from teacher-centered to student-centered instruction and cited reported gains in student engagement and assessment results.
At the meeting, AVID presenters described the program’s five foundations of instruction — positive relationships, an appropriate learning environment, diagnostic teaching, clear learning objectives and student agency — and said candidates complete nine months of mixed synchronous and asynchronous professional learning plus a capstone project to earn certification. "The certification lasts five years with continued implementation evidence required for renewal," one presenter said.
Megan Wooten, who identified herself as the district chief for middle/high school programs, told the board that the certification helps teachers build consistent instructional practice and leadership in their schools. Several classroom teachers gave classroom examples: they described student “learning goal managers,” use of planner checks across multiple classes, digital carousel peer feedback, engagement checks and changes to lesson design to increase student ownership.
One teacher attributed notable changes to the program and reported improvement in local classroom metrics, saying midterm proficiency in one course rose from 41% to 90% and that end-of-course proficiency for a U.S. history group was about 82%. The teacher framed those figures as outcomes observed in her classes after implementing AVID strategies. The transcript records these numbers as teacher-reported results; the board did not produce a district-wide data report at the meeting to independently verify the figures.
Board members praised the presenters and asked a few logistical questions about program funding and cohort support. The AVID presenters also emphasized inclusion of students with accommodations and said classroom observations showed those students participating alongside their peers.
The board received the presentation as part of its regular agenda; no formal action was taken on the AVID program itself at this meeting. The presentation will appear in the minutes and the district said it will continue cohort offerings and monitor classroom evidence for renewal of individual certifications.
