Advanced Learning Experiences

Advancement Via Individual Determination

AVID's mission is to close the achievement gap by preparing all students for college readiness and success in a global society.

Students in the AVID program at Wilson are enrolled in the AVID elective class in addition to being enrolled in Honors Math and Honors Language Arts.

How does AVID work at Wilson ESD?

ALL students in grades 4- 8 participate in a once a day AVID enrichment period during their advisory block. All teachers provide instruction in W.I.C.O.R. (Writing, Inquiry, Collaboration, Organization, Reading) and use a resource known as AVID Weekly provided by the AVID Center. On the Primary School campus (grades PreK-3), AVID strategies are embedded in regular classroom instruction daily.

AVID Elective Class

The AVID elective is offered to 6th, 7th, and 8th graders motivated to engage in college and career readiness activities, study skills training, focused-note taking techniques, and W.I.C.O.R. (Writing, Inquiry, Collaboration, Organization, and Reading). The AVID elective is taught by two AVID Center trained teachers who are passionate about preparing your child for his or her future. Students in the AVID elective also meet twice a week with college aged tutors who help them work through a point of confusion in their regular classroom instruction. In the spring of each year, 5th graders have the opportunity to apply to participate in the AVID elective as a sixth grader the following year.

AVID Elective Application

AVID STUDENT AGREEMENT

Positive Behavioral Interventions and Support

Each school within the Wilson Elementary School District implements Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS). 

PBIS is an evidence based three-tiered framework designed to improve and integrate all of the data, systems, and practices affecting student outcomes every day. Furthermore, it is to prevent problem behavior while teaching socially appropriate behaviors. The focus of PBIS at WSD is creating and sustaining safe and inclusive environments for all students to support appropriate behavior and redirect disruptive behavior.

How does Wilson implement PBIS?

WSD strives to create safe, positive environments by: defining and teaching behavioral expectations; monitoring and acknowledging appropriate behavior; providing corrective, appropriate consequences; providing appropriate behavioral supports (including actions like mentoring, social skills groups, and daily monitoring); using a team-based approach; and using referral data for problem solving. 

Who Is Responsible For Implementing Restorative Practices and PBIS?

Under the direction of the campus principal, assistant principal, and/or MTSS Facilitator, staff members at every site must understand school rules, reinforce appropriate student behavior, and use constructive classroom management strategies — including positive behavioral interventions, supports, and restorative practices, where appropriate — to promote safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environments for all students.

What is PAX?

Wilson School District uses the Pax Good Behavior Game to support the implementation of PBIS district-wide. The vision of the Pax program is to empower individuals and communities to create a more nurturing environment with universal access to research-based prevention science in order to improve the well-being of people from all walks of life around the world. This is accomplished through the use of ten strategies teachers use in their classrooms to promote peace, time on task, and a positive classroom culture. 

What does it mean to be gifted in Arizona?

Arizona’s definition of giftedness is a student who demonstrates superior intellect or advanced learning ability. Students qualify as gifted by scoring in the 97th percentile or higher on a state approved nationally normed abilities test. In Wilson, we use the Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT). All second graders are automatically tested during the second semester of the school year. Any student referred by a parent or teacher will be tested as well. Both the parent and teacher referral forms can be found on this webpage.  

How does Wilson School District serve identified gifted students?

Students identified as gifted are pulled once a week for a gifted pull-out program taught by the Director of Advanced Learning Experiences. Instruction during this time period includes engaging in problem-based learning tasks, creative thinking activities, passion projects, and more.