Farb Middle School teacher receives AVID Award

Farb Middle School's AVID Coordinator, Donna Rankin, has been honored by the AVID organization, receiving $10,000 to help the AVID program at her school.

Donna Rankin

Rankin was one of five teachers in California to receive the organization's AVID Teacher Advocacy Awards.

"It is such an honor to receive this award, which will allow more students in our school to benefit from AVID strategies and be able to learn the skills that will prepare them for college and their careers," said Rankin. "I want to help students develop the leadership skills, character strengths, and global awareness embedded in the AVID philosophy to take with them in their journey through life.”

Each educator will receive $10,000 to enhance AVID implementation at their school through conference attendance, classroom equipment and materials (including technology and books), professional development and academic coaching.

An anonymous donor generously provided funds to AVID Center to create an award that would give AVID educators in California additional resources to enhance their work with their students. The AVID Teacher Advocacy Award was developed to support California AVID Elective teachers and site team teachers; improve AVID teaching; retain AVID teachers; share best practices and professional learning; and further the AVID mission. The award was presented to five AVID educators in Sacramento, CA, at the General Session of AVID’s Summer Institute on July 9, 2013.

“These teachers exemplify AVID’s spirit and have become great advocates for college readiness for all on their campuses,” said AVID Executive Director Jim Nelson. “We hope this award allows them to continue to help more students achieve their dream of college success.”

AVID began in 1980 by Mary Catherine Swanson, then-head of the English department at San Diego's Clairemont High School. The federal courts issued an order to desegregate the city's schools, bringing large numbers of inner city students to suburban schools. While applauding the decision, Swanson wondered how these underserved students would survive at academically acclaimed Clairemont High.
It has evolved into a non-profit, proven college readiness system that closes the achievement gap.

Today, AVID is implemented in more than 4,900 schools in 45 states and 16 countries/ territories. AVID impacts more than 700,000 students in grades K-12, as well as students in 28 postsecondary institutions. The AVID College Readiness System transforms a school’s academic culture to increase the number of students who enroll in four-year colleges and succeed in higher education and training.