Title
A Multiple Case Study of Perceptions of the Impact of the Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) Program
Date of Award
4-1-2019
Document Type
Restricted Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctorate of Education, Ed.D.
College
College of Education
Department
Education
First Advisor
Chris Jenkins, Ph.D.
Second Advisor
Wanda Fernandopulle, Ed.D.
Third Advisor
Amanda Sailors, Ph.D.
Abstract
This multiple case qualitative research study sought to explore how secondary students, teachers, and administrators perceive the impact of the Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) program. The study was conducted at two public high schools in northeast Oklahoma. Although the two high schools are similar demographically, one of the participating schools is considerably larger than the other. AVID is a program designed to close the achievement gap, while simultaneously improving schools and school culture. AVID students are typically average students that are at-risk, minorities, or under-privileged. AVID’s mission is to prepare and enable all students to succeed in high school, college, and life. Many previous research studies have examined the effects of AVID; however, it was the goal of this study to provide insight on the perceptions of AVID’s impact. Semi-structured individual interviews and focus group sessions were used to explore how secondary students, teachers, and administrators perceive the impact of AVID on academic achievement, organizational skills, and social relations. The data collected during the interviews and focus groups sessions were transcribed using NVivo. Codes were identified and themes emerged. Finally, triangulation was accomplished by collecting data from multiple sources and asking the same research questions to various study participants. The results of this research indicated that secondary students, teachers, and administrators perceive AVID as having a positive impact on academic achievement, organizational skills, and social relations.