Student-led tutorials, a schoolwide note-taking focus and a family-signed commitment help students in grades 9-12 prepare for life after graduation

FERNDALE, Mich. — At Ferndale High School, students in the AVID elective are learning that the answer to a hard problem doesn't always have to come from the teacher. Twice a week, they lead their own tutorials, coaching one another through the questions that have them stuck.

This year, students in grades 9-12 are enrolled in Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID), a college- and career-readiness elective that pairs rigorous coursework with structured academic support. The goal is for every AVID student to graduate college- and career-ready.

The program is led by Stephanie Gizicki, who is in her seventh year teaching AVID and has been with the program since it began at FHS, and Alan Kantor, who joined the AVID team this year.

"Our students don't have to wait until junior year to start thinking like college students," said Gizicki. "In AVID, they build the habits now: how to take notes, ask good questions, manage their time and set goals, so that when the applications come, they're ready."

Tutorials, held every Tuesday and Thursday, are the heart of the program. Each student comes prepared with a Tutorial Request Form that moves them from a general question to their specific "point of confusion," helping them separate what they already understand from where they are getting stuck. The student then presents that question to a small group, and classmates use Socratic questioning to understand the struggle and guide their peer toward a better understanding or a plan for getting more help. AVID teachers train students to lead each session, so they learn to work through hard problems together instead of waiting to be handed the answer.

On other days, the AVID curriculum focuses on what the program calls WICOR: writing, inquiry, collaboration, organization and rigor. Students keep Cornell notes, set weekly goals in a daily planner and maintain an organized binder (provided by FHS) for every class. They also practice speaking and reasoning through presentations, Socratic Seminars and Philosophical Chairs debates.

AVID's reach goes beyond the elective. Gizicki and Kantor also lead the effort to bring AVID teaching strategies into every classroom at Ferndale High School, coaching fellow teachers through the building's professional learning communities (PLCs). This year, the focus is Focused Note-Taking, AVID's structured approach to taking, reviewing and using notes, with the goal of having every teacher use it in class.

AVID students commit to taking courses that meet four-year college entrance requirements. Throughout the year, guest speakers and field trips to local colleges and universities may be scheduled so students can see campuses and careers up close. 

"I'm excited to give students who want to be college and career ready by graduation the skills they need to take on any challenge," said Kantor. "It's not about knowing how to do everything. It's about knowing what opportunities and resources are out there and how to use them to achieve whatever you're willing to commit yourself to."

AVID is a partnership. Each student and a parent or guardian sign the course syllabus and AVID contract, agreeing to the program's expectations. Families can track progress on Canvas and MiStar, and Gizicki and Kantor offer extra help during Impact/Eagle time and by appointment before school.

"When a student, a family and a teacher all sign the same commitment, that's a powerful signal," said Superintendent Camille Hibbler. "AVID reflects what we believe in Ferndale: every student deserves a clear path to college and the support to get there."

AVID is also offered as an elective at Ferndale Middle School.

Families interested in AVID can contact Stephanie Gizicki at stephanie.gizicki@ferndaleschools.org or Alan Kantor at alan.kantor@ferndaleschools.org.

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About Ferndale Public Schools

Founded in 1887, Ferndale Public Schools serves approximately 3,100 students from the communities of Ferndale, Pleasant Ridge, Oak Park, Royal Oak Township and portions of Hazel Park. The district provides a comprehensive educational experience from early childhood through high school, offering rigorous academics, innovative learning opportunities, award-winning arts and athletics, career and technical education, and comprehensive social-emotional supports. Recognized for its commitment to equity, inclusion and student-centered learning, Ferndale Public Schools empowers every student to discover their potential, achieve academic success and become engaged members of their communities.

To learn more about Ferndale Public Schools, visit the website. To stay up to date on district news, events and announcements, visit the News page.