TITLE: Recognizing Longfellow Middle School and Thomas Jefferson High School in San Antonio.

SUMMARY: Recognizing Longfellow Middle School and Thomas Jefferson High School in San Antonio.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to recognize the San Antonio Independent School District's Longfellow Middle School and Thomas Jefferson High School, which are national demonstration sites for the Advancement Via Individual Determination program; and WHEREAS, Advancement Via Individual Determination, also known as AVID, is a program for grades six through 12 that prepares students who are in the academic middle to become eligible to attend a four-year college; it targets students who are capable of completing rigorous coursework but have fallen short of their potential; and WHEREAS, Students in the program have demonstrated a willingness to work hard and a desire to go to college; they are enrolled in their school's most challenging courses and in an AVID elective course to support them during the school day; the elective is a period each day in which participants learn organizational and study skills, work on critical thinking and asking probing questions, receive help from academic peers and college tutors, and take part in enrichment and motivational activities that make college more attainable; and WHEREAS, The Advancement Via Individual Determination program has been shown to improve a school's standardized test scores, increase enrollment in advanced classes, and expand the number of students who attend college; the San Antonio Independent School District pioneered the AVID program in Texas 15 years ago and has achieved great success through its implementation; as national demonstration schools, Longfellow Middle School and Thomas Jefferson High School have served as an example to educators and administrators across the country, and they are truly deserving of recognition for their continuing excellence; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 83rd Legislature, hereby commend the students, faculty, and staff of Longfellow Middle School and Thomas Jefferson High School on their commitment to preparing all their students for a college education and extend congratulations on being named national demonstration sites for the Advancement Via Individual Determination program; and, be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for these schools as an expression of esteem from the Texas Senate. Van de Putte President of the Senate I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on May 6, 2013.