The AVID/TOPS program has helped to make significant academic gains for first-generation, college-bound students experiencing marginalization due to systemic barriers, according to a new, independent evaluation done by the University of Wisconsin’s Wisconsin Evaluation Collaborative (WEC) released today.
A partnership between Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Dane County created AVID(Advancement Via Individual Determination)/TOPS (Teens of Promise TOPS), a system of positive change in preparing students for college and career opportunities.
“With the launch of the new school year, we are extremely proud to share these results,” said Michael Johnson, Boys & Girls Clubs of Dane County President & CEO, in a statement. “The Boys & Girls Clubs of Dane County is committed to transparency, accountability, and the success of our students. These findings are part of evaluating the success of our organization, and they demonstrate the incredible impacts our staff is making through this partnership.”
This assessment evaluated data from the past 10 academic years through 2017-2018, according to a press release, and illustrates the positive effects of the AVID/TOPS model when compared to a similar peer group that did not receive AVID/TOPS interventions. One key finding demonstrated that AVID/TOPS students earned higher cumulative and core high school GPAs than their peers, with the biggest impacts associated with low-income students and students of color.
“AVID/TOPS continues to position so many of our students for success, and we are incredibly grateful to the Boys & Girls Clubs for this partnership,” said Interim Superintendent Jane Belmore in a statement. “Thank you to our AVID staff and our partners for this wonderful program that continues to show consistently positive results for our students.”
The assessment also demonstrates that AVID/TOPS’ male-students of color enrolled in significantly more AP and Honors course credits than their peers – an important indicator for the likelihood of college persistence in the future.
“By funding and supporting an independent evaluation, which educational programs rarely do, MMSD and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Dane County have demonstrated their commitment to ensuring that AVID/TOPS positively impacts student success in both high school and college,” said Dr. Jed Richardson, Wisconsin Evaluation Collaborative Assistant Scientist, in a statement.
