We are pleased to announce that Franklin STEAM Academy was officially revalidated as a National Demonstration School by AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination). This is an honor that only 201 schools hold across the country.
Being a National AVID Demonstration School means that Franklin embodies a schoolwide level of engagement that is supported by staff and parents alike. What makes the engagement unique is the level of student agency and fidelity. Franklin's students present ways literacy enhances one's ability to think critically and speak authentically by connecting STEAM with AVID methodologies and strategies. Franklin’s students display and believe, “Our legacy begins with literacy.”
Franklin’s Principal, David Mast, added, “Franklin STEAM Academy is proud and honored to be revalidated as an AVID National Demonstration School. This demonstrates our commitment to our students and families as we continue to be a teaching and learning center where AVID and STEAM are foundational, preparing our scholars for post-secondary success and to become leaders of our global society.”
Dr. Mykah Jackson, Unit 4’s Director of College and Career Readiness, stated, “It is so rewarding to be a part of the AVID Revalidation for Franklin STEAM Academy. I attended Franklin as a student and had the privilege of contributing to its initial AVID Demo status as a teacher. Franklin’s ability to consistently revalidate over the years speaks to the commitment of all stakeholders involved. Everyone knows that winning a championship is difficult. However, winning a championship multiple times consecutively requires an evolving skill set and commitment. Maintaining excellence is more difficult than achieving it. The amount of effort required to achieve excellence must be replicated over an extended period without degradation or loss in fidelity.”
Unit 4 Schools currently has eight elementary schools, three middle schools, and two high schools (Bottenfield, Robeson, I.P.A., Garden Hills, Booker T. Washington, Barkstall, Stratton, Westview, Jefferson, Edison, Franklin, Central, and Centennial) officially implementing the AVID system of support. Unit 4 houses three (Jefferson, Franklin, Edison) out of four National AVID Demonstration Sites in the state of Illinois.
