AVID STEM Connections
Product by AVID
The Bottom Line
Partially. While AVID STEM Connections provides structured project-based learning to connect coding with real-world issues, its effectiveness relies heavily on teacher implementation. The curriculum strongly supports cognitive engagement through problem-solving, but as a teacher-facing resource, it does not directly deliver spaced repetition or automated feedback to your child.
Pros
- Uses project-based learning to contextualize abstract math and science concepts in real-world scenarios.
- Integrates coding as a cognitive tool for problem-solving rather than rote syntax memorization.
- Encourages cross-curricular connections that help learners build stronger mental schemas.
Cons
- Relies entirely on teacher delivery, meaning student experience will vary widely by classroom.
- Lacks built-in adaptive feedback mechanisms to correct individual student misconceptions in real time.
- Does not include automated spaced retrieval practice to ensure long-term retention of STEM vocabulary.
What Do We Know About AVID STEM Connections?
AVID STEM Connections is a teacher-driven curriculum rather than a standalone app, making its effectiveness highly dependent on how your child's school implements it. You will not download this program at home for independent practice. Instead, your child will experience these lessons during classroom instruction. The program succeeds by using a problem-based learning framework. Learning science shows that situating abstract concepts within real-world problems helps students build deeper mental models. When your child uses the coding modules, they are not simply memorizing programming syntax. They are using coding as a cognitive tool to solve applied science and math problems. This approach, known as coding to learn, prevents cognitive overload by keeping the focus on the learning objective rather than the software tool. However, because this is a supplemental curriculum resource, it lacks the interactive, personalized software features found in direct-to-student apps. Your child will not receive immediate, adaptive feedback from the program itself. All scaffolding, error correction, and retrieval practice must be managed by the classroom teacher.
How Does AVID STEM Connections Work?
AVID STEM Connections uses a project-based learning pedagogy that requires students to apply cross-curricular knowledge to solve real-world problems. Teachers access a library of ready-to-use lesson plans that span kindergarten through twelfth grade. Rather than isolating subjects, these modules combine math, applied science, and career technical education. A key component of the K-8 progression is the coding integration. Instead of teaching isolated computer science units, the lessons embed coding tasks directly into core academic subjects. Students might write a simple program to model a science experiment or calculate a math equation. By using the software to model concepts, students engage in active learning and elaborate encoding, which strengthens their understanding of the core subject. Teachers facilitate the lessons, guide the inquiry process, and evaluate student projects based on rubrics provided by the AVID system.
Strengths and tradeoffs of AVID STEM Connections
The biggest strength of AVID STEM Connections is its integration of coding as an applied learning tool, while its biggest weakness is the complete absence of automated, individualized feedback for the student. Contextualized Learning: By framing lessons around real-world issues, the program leverages problem-based learning. This approach helps students transfer knowledge across different contexts, breaking down the silos between math and science. Cognitive Integration: The program excels at using coding to learn. When students use coding to model a scientific phenomenon, they engage in elaboration, a highly effective study strategy that connects new information to existing knowledge. Lack of Adaptive Scaffolding: Because this is a teacher-facing resource, the materials cannot dynamically adapt to a struggling student. If a student misunderstands a foundational concept, the program does not intervene. Missing Retrieval Practice: The lessons focus heavily on project execution rather than systematic review. Teachers must build their own spaced repetition schedules to ensure students retain the STEM terminology and processes long after the project concludes.
Who Might Benefit From AVID STEM Connections?
AVID STEM Connections is best for K-12 educators seeking structured, cross-curricular project frameworks to integrate into their existing lesson plans. It serves schools aiming to boost career and technical education awareness by showing students how academic concepts apply in professional environments. The program is specifically designed for classroom environments where teachers can actively facilitate group work and problem-solving. It is not suitable for parents looking for at-home tutoring or independent, screen-based practice for their children, as the materials require a trained instructor to deliver effectively.
Data Transparency
Does Not Meet Data Transparency Standard
AVID STEM Connections does not meet our data transparency standard. Its privacy policy does not reference COPPA and does not reference FERPA.
7 of 35 checks passed
Evaluated September 2026
View privacy policy →View all 35 checks
Parent Access2/8
Does the policy mention parents specifically?
“We encourage parents to play an active role in their children’s online experience at all times.”
Can parents view their child's data?
“The policy mentions parents but does not explicitly state they can view their child's data.”
Can parents modify their child's data?
“The policy does not explicitly state that parents can modify their child's data.”
Can parents delete their child's account?
“The policy does not explicitly state that parents can delete their child's account.”
Is there a dedicated Children's Privacy section?
“4.4 A Note to Parents Regarding Children’s Information AVID is committed to protecting...”
Does it reference COPPA compliance?
“The policy does not mention COPPA or the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act.”
Does it reference FERPA compliance?
“The policy does not explicitly mention FERPA compliance.”
Is parental consent required for child accounts?
“The policy does not explicitly state that parental consent is required to create a child account.”
Data Portability1/5
Can users access their personal data?
“You can also view and amend some of your profile information, such as your name, address... or email”
Can users download/export their data?
“The policy does not mention any ability for users to download or export their data.”
Is there a self-service data access tool?
“The policy implies users must contact them to view or amend personal information securely.”
Is a specific data format mentioned for export?
“The policy does not mention data export or any specific export formats.”
Is there an API for data access?
“The policy does not mention providing API access for user data.”
Data Minimization1/6
Is data collection itemized?
“The types of personal information we may collect and process about you can include...”
Can the app be used without a real name?
“The policy does not explicitly state that users can use the app without a real name.”
Can the app be used without an email?
“The policy does not explicitly state that the app can be used without providing an email address.”
Does it state collection is limited to what is necessary?
“The policy does not explicitly state a general commitment to limit data collection.”
Is IP address anonymized or truncated?
“The policy states it collects IP addresses but does not mention anonymizing or truncating them.”
Is location tracking explicitly excluded?
“The policy explicitly states that it collects Geolocation and other location information.”
Third-Party Protection2/7
Does it explicitly state no selling of data?
“The policy does not explicitly state that the company will not sell user data.”
Are third-party providers named?
“...such as the National Student Clearing House and Market Data (MDR).”
Are providers contractually restricted?
“The policy does not explicitly mention that third-party providers are contractually restricted.”
No-targeted-advertising commitment?
“The policy does not include an explicit commitment to abstain from targeted advertising.”
Is AI/ML data sharing addressed?
“The policy does not mention artificial intelligence, machine learning, or related data sharing.”
Child-specific sharing restriction?
“The children's section restricts use to training, but does not explicitly restrict sharing.”
Cookies/tracking limited or opt-out?
“You can turn off cookies in the event you prefer not to receive them... opt-out options...”
Deletion & Retention1/5
Can users delete their account?
“...when contacting us to view, amend, or delete any of your personal information...”
Self-service deletion mechanism?
“Deletion requires contacting the company; there is no mention of a self-service deletion tool.”
Specific data retention timeline?
“The policy states data is retained as long as an account exists, lacking a specific timeline.”
Auto-deletion of inactive accounts?
“The policy does not mention automatically deleting inactive or dormant accounts.”
Post-deletion handling described?
“The policy does not describe how data is handled in backups or logs after an account is deleted.”
Advertising0/4
Advertising model explicitly disclosed?
“The policy does not explicitly disclose the presence of an advertising model within the app.”
Free from third-party advertisements?
“The policy does not explicitly state that the app is free from third-party advertisements.”
Children excluded from ad targeting?
“The policy does not explicitly state that children are excluded from ad targeting.”
Ad-free option available?
“The policy does not mention the availability of an ad-free option or subscription.”
What This Means
The policy review did not meet our data transparency standard. The checks above show the documented findings and unknowns. A missing statement does not establish how the app handles data in practice.
About this evaluation: Based on automated analysis of AVID STEM Connections's privacy policy using the Common Sense Privacy Program framework. Results describe the policy disclosures we assessed; unknown checks are excluded from scores. Privacy policies can change. This review reflects the version we analyzed and does not determine legal compliance.
Sources and review method
TLS combines product information and editorial analysis to explain how AVID STEM Connections works, its tradeoffs, and the questions to ask before choosing it. Product features, an instructional rationale and evidence of learning outcomes are different kinds of information.
Formal Learning Standard assessment: not yet completed. Data Transparency findings are reported separately and do not establish learning effectiveness. Read our methodology.
Frequently Asked Questions About AVID STEM Connections
Is AVID STEM Connections free?
No, AVID STEM Connections is a paid institutional resource that requires schools to contact AVID directly for pricing and licensing details.
Is AVID STEM Connections good for elementary students?
Yes, the K-8 grade bands include specific lessons designed to introduce coding and foundational STEM concepts through hands-on, problem-based modules tailored for younger learners.
What does AVID STEM Connections teach?
It teaches cross-curricular STEM literacy, applied science, and math by guiding students through real-world problem-solving scenarios and introductory coding exercises.
Is AVID STEM Connections safe for kids?
Yes, it is safe because it is a teacher-facilitated curriculum rather than an open online platform where children interact with unvetted users or view advertisements.
Has The Learning Standard evaluated AVID STEM Connections?
No, AVID STEM Connections is currently pending evaluation. Our team has not yet rated this curriculum against our learning science rubrics. Please refer to our methodology for more information on how we review educational tools.
Can my child use AVID STEM Connections independently at home?
No, this program consists of teacher-facing lesson plans and classroom activities, making it unsuitable for independent student use outside of a structured school environment.
Is AVID STEM Connections COPPA compliant?
A COPPA reference was not found in the reviewed privacy policy. This does not determine whether the app complies with COPPA. Policy review note: The policy does not mention COPPA or the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act.
Is AVID STEM Connections FERPA compliant?
A FERPA reference was not found in the reviewed privacy policy. This does not determine whether the app complies with FERPA. Policy review note: The policy does not explicitly mention FERPA compliance.
Does AVID STEM Connections have a children's privacy policy?
The reviewed policy includes a dedicated children's privacy section. Policy review note: 4.4 A Note to Parents Regarding Children’s Information AVID is committed to protecting...
Does AVID STEM Connections sell student data?
A statement ruling out data selling was not found in the reviewed policy. This does not establish that the app sells student data. Policy review note: The policy does not explicitly state that the company will not sell user data.
Can you delete your data from AVID STEM Connections?
The reviewed privacy policy describes account deletion. We have not tested the deletion process. Policy review note: ...when contacting us to view, amend, or delete any of your personal information...
Follow TLS Research
Subscribe to future TLS research updates: app reviews, findings, and what the evidence shows.
Screenshots
Take Action
For AVID STEM Connections
If you represent AVID and have a correction or new evidence, send the relevant source so we can review and update this page.
Submit a correctionDetails
- Pricing
- Contact AVIDCare@avid.org or 1-833-284-3227 for pricing information.
- Platforms
- Windows (Microsoft), macOS (Apple), Chrome OS (Google)
- Website
- Visit site