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This editorial first appeared in the Albuquerque Journal. It was written by editorial page staff and is unsigned as it represents the opinion of the newspaper rather than the writers

Monday, November 16, 2009

Students in the Middle Get College Prep Help



          Students in the Middle
        Get College Prep Help
        Most students fall somewhere on the belly of the "bell curve," but landing there doesn't generate many accolades, much less extra attention. Public education has special programs for those at the bottom and at the top, but generally not much for students in the no-man's land of the middle.
        However, a new Albuquerque Public Schools program targets students who have the potential to succeed in college but may lack the study skills and home support. In an elective class, students learn good study habits, how to take good notes and keep their work organized. College-age tutors are there to help with tricky concepts and homework. The students also take more challenging classes than they might otherwise.
        APS Superintendent Winston Brooks hopes AVID, or Advancement Via Individual Determination, will help narrow the achievement gap between Anglo and Hispanic and minority students. If it's successful in the five schools trying it, he plans to expand it to other schools.
        In 2002, the national program came to some New Mexico schools and is now in 10 districts. It is primarily aimed at middle school and freshman students. But with a 100 percent graduation rate for the 35 seniors who last year were enrolled in an AVID class and who completed entrance requirements for a four-year college, the potential for success — and for students moving out of the middle and toward a college education — looks bright.
       

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