Giano Recognized By West Covina City Council

More than 50 educators from across the state met with a team of AVID teachers at Giano Intermediate on January 15, to learn the secret of their success. The middle school has been so successful with its “college going culture” and academic support program called AVID for students school-wide, that it has been ranked a 10 out of 10 on the Academic Performance Index (API) Similar School rankings for the past seven years. In addition, students have made a 172 point gain on the Academic Performance Index (API)  – moving from a 552 to a 732, more than doubling the average gain for all California middle schools. In 2006-07, Giano became a National AVID demonstration school and a California Distinguished School.

            AVID --  Advancement Via Individual Determination -- is an in-school academic support program for grades 5-12 that prepares students in the academic middle ( B, C and even D students) for college eligibility and success. The program began at Giano in 2001 and started with one 8th grade elective class and a site team of six teachers. Seventh grade students enroll in Pre-Algebra and are assigned to core content teachers who coordinate and integrate curriculum activities throughout the year. At the 8th grade level, students enroll in Algebra 1 or Geometry and are transitioned into the Honors Program in other core areas. Throughout the year, college related activities, including college field trips are planned.

            The success at Giano is the “AVIDizing” of the entire school. All staff has been provided with teaching strategies and AVID methodologies are used in most every classroom including electives. There is a high set of expectations and an array of support programs for all students.