Implications of one comprehensive school reform model for secondary school students underrepresented in higher education

This is a study of 10 high schools that implemented AVID during the 1999-2000 academic year as a Comprehensive School Reform model. Student performance data were collected on 1,291 AVID students in these Texas schools. Researchers examined test scores, attendance rates, advanced course enrollment patterns, graduation plans and school accountability ratings over a 3-year period. The study found that supportive and involved principals led to successful AVID CSR implementation efforts in the district of study, and that the leadership actions that have an impact on effective CSR implementation involve more than just adopting the CSR model for their campuses: they have a shared responsibility and full participation, appropriate staff development, low teacher turnover and appropriate resource allocation. Additionally, all 10 AVID schools improved their accountability rating during the first 4 years of AVID implementation, AVID students outperformed their classmates on various standardized tests and attended school more often than their classmates, and AP course enrollment has increased, so more underrepresented students are being prepared for college.