An Introduction to the Advanced Placement Program What

An Introduction to the Advanced Placement Program®

What We'll Cover • • What is Advanced Placement (AP) The Benefits of AP What it takes to be successful AP Courses at Helix AP Teachers perspective on what to expect AP Exams, Fees, & Scores Why AP Exams are Worth the Money Is AP Right for You?

What is Advanced Placement®?

Advanced Placement ®: The Basics • AP® courses are rigorous, college-level courses offered in high school • Courses reflect what is taught in top freshman college courses • Students take AP Exams at the end of the course in May, measuring their mastery of college-level work • A score of 3 or higher on an AP Exam can typically earn students college credit and/or placement into advanced courses in college

Academic Rigor & AP® What does Rigorous mean? • Math problems requiring higher level thinking • Essays demonstrating the ability for developmental thinking • Exposure to diverse literature that challenges students to analyze and synthesize material • Assessments ask students to apply concepts learned rather than just recall facts Why is it Important? • Colleges expect rigorous course work • Honors courses are not as highly valued anymore

AP®: The Benefits

AP®: The Benefits • Students learn rigorous college-level content and skills • Taking AP is valued in the college admission process • AP courses are interesting and rewarding academic experiences • Opportunity to earn valuable credit and placement in college

AP®: Skills & Advantages that Last a Lifetime • Taking an AP course helps students build critical thinking skills, confidence, and the essential time management and study skills needed for college success • Nationally, research shows that students who score a 3 or higher on an AP Exam typically earn higher grade point averages in college and have higher graduation rates than their non-AP peers* *2009, The College Board, “The Relationship Between AP Exam Performance and College Outcomes"

AP® Helps Students Graduate on Time & Save Money • Students who take AP courses and exams are much more likely to complete a college degree on time. * Graduating in four years represents a significant savings on the cost of college. • Only 25% of college students complete a bachelor’s degree in 4 years. • The average cost of college for a single year is $23, 410** for instate schools (tuition, fees, room/board, misc. expenses). *College Outcomes Comparisons by AP and Non-AP High School Experiences, The College Board, 2008 **The College Board, Trends in College Pricing 2014, Figure 1

AP® Expands Students’ Options When students earn college credit through AP Exams, their options and opportunities expand: • Move to upper-level college courses sooner (graduate earlier) • Pursue a double major • Gain time to study and travel abroad

AP®: A More Engaging Learning Experience AP courses challenge students to work and participate at a higher level: • Opportunities to explore topics in depth • More time in and out of the classroom required to complete assignments and projects • High expectations for critical thinking, analysis, synthesis, evidence, multiple perspectives, and clear written and verbal communications

What Does it Take to Be Successful? • • Desire to learn and be challenged A strong interest in or passion for subject Strong reading & writing skills Time management & organizational skills Efficiency/ability to be focused and get it done “Do it on time” mentality (can’t procrastinate) Motivation & willingness to work hard

Our AP® Courses 9 th Grade Human Geography 10 th Grade • European History • Computer Science Principles (Could be 10 th-12 th) 11 th Grade • Biology/Every other Year • Environmental Science/ Every other Year • English Language • US History • Spanish Language • Psychology 11/12 • Physics 1 / Every other Year • Chemistry/ Every other Year (Could also be taken in the 11 th grade. 12 th Grade • English Literature • Macroeconomics • US/Comp Government • Calculus B/C • Statistics • Chemistry/ Every other Year (Could also be taken in the 11 th grade. • Psychology 11/12

A Teacher’s Perspective

What to Expect from AP For AP Psychology (Julie Damschen) Every other day, all year long Most units are assigned in two week-blocks Even though the class meets every other day, students are expected to spend 30 -45 minutes every night on reading/notes. Students will have homework over winter break and spring break Skills Developed: a. Breaking down college-level text b. Application of information into real-world scenarios c. Critical thinking d. Color coded note-taking No Summer assignment is required.

What to Expect from AP AP Calculus (Julie Weber) Every day, all year long Homework: Daily. Student is given an assignment list for the chapter at the start of each chapter, so they have assignments in advance. Time on Homework: 30 -45 minutes/day, LARGELY DEPENDENT ON THE STUDENT'S ALGEBRA /PRECALCULUS FLUENCY. If they struggled in Algebra 2 or Pre-calculus (especially in the areas of logarithms, trigonometry, or graphing functions), the time needed to complete homework will increase significantly. Time spent on homework may increase somewhat in the 5 weeks prior to the AP test. Skills Developed: Textbook reading and analysis, Studying and Test taking, Critical thinking, Problem solving and explaining using sophisticated mathematical language, Time management. No Summer Assignment

What to Expect from AP Economics (Macro and Micro) Giff Asimos Every other day, all year long Students will have the option of taking AP Econ or get credits through dual enrollment for Micro and Macro through Grossmont/Cuyamaca. To qualify for Dual Enrollment students must have a B or Better in Pre. Calculus, if they don't their only option is AP Econ. Either way: Grading 90% Test, 10% HW There are two major tests per quarter HW 3 -5 Hours per week Have to complete a Summer Assignment

What to Expect from AP AP US & Comparative Government (Robert Berg) All year long, every other day Homework is 5 -8 pages of reading/night Quizzes on reading or vocabulary each class period 6 Unit Tests with Multiple Choice and Free Response Questions AP Comparative Politics (Robert Berg) No Textbook (recommended study guide) 6 Countries studied (UK, Mexico, China, Russia, Nigeria, Iran) Outlines and Timelines required for each country 6 Unit Tests with Multiple Choice and Free Response Questions Skills Developed: Textbook reading and note-taking, studying & test taking , critical thinking, writing , time management No Summer Assignment

What to Expect from AP Spanish Language (Brenda Meza- Jackson) Students are expected to come in with the basic knowledge of present tense, preterit tense and the imperfect tense. In the AP Spanish language course students will expand their grammar knowledge learning the future tense, conditional tense, passive voice, commands, the progressives, the perfect tenses and both the present tense and imperfect subjunctive modes. Along with this, students will learn new vocabulary connected to the 6 themes used/seen on the AP test. Students will complete numerous speeches, presentations, timed writings and two formal essays. Students are expected to work independently as we get through a full year of language study in one semester. It is highly recommended that students take Spanish for Spanish Speakers 1 -2 C prior to the AP course.

What to Expect from AP English Literature (Dan Baits) • Write 15 essays, 1 -2 hours HW per class session • Perfect class for students who love to read and write. Will read novels, a play, and lots of poetry • Core philosophy of the course is to appreciate literature for its ability to create "meaning and pleasure” • Summer assignment

What to Expect from AP Chemistry (Jeff Underwood) • Every-other day, all year long • 25% of time on labs • Kinetics, thermochemistry, equilibrium, acid/base chemistry and stoichiometry • 60 -90 min HW per day (both A and B) on quizzes/tests, writing lab reports, textbook assignments, practice AP exams • Summer assignment

What to Expect from AP Computer Science (Matt Guarnotta) • All year long, every other day • 60 -90 min per day on assignments, online textbook, tests • Topics include computer science logic, coding, problem solving, and creating 3 D animated apps AP Computer Science Principles (Matt Guarnotta) A new proposed course with less emphasis on programming; its more about the computer science field in general. This course introduces students to the foundational concepts of computer science and challenges them to explore how computing and technology can impact the world. Great for all students 9 th - 12 th grade.

What to Expect AP Biology (Lenelle Wylie) AP Bio is fast-paced, intensive, and requires approximately 30 -40 minutes of nightly reading/study time. It is for students who are motivated and have a strong interest in science. Major topics of study include biochemistry, cells, cellular processes, genetics, evolution, cellular communication/feedback, and ecology. The coursework and laboratory experiences will prepare students to take the College Board’s scheduled AP Biology exam. Grade Breakdown Midterm Exams 40% Comprehensive Final Exam 20% Labs and Activities 25% Homework/Unit Quizzes 15% Course Assessments Students will be assessed through formative assessments such as chapter quizzes, written reflections, discussion board postings, video quizzes, classroom discussion panels, and laboratory reports. Students will take three midterm exams and one comprehensive final exam.

What to Expect Physics 1 (Chris Dartland) Every-other day, all year long (even years 2018, 2020. . . ) 25% of time on labs Topics: Kinematics, Forces, Momentum & Energy, Rotational Motion, Harmonic Motion, & Electricity 60+ minutes of homework per class meeting One Lab Report per topic One Test per Topic

What Do Students Say? • • • Don’t procrastinate/can’t be lazy Prepare to work/study harder than you ever have You must sacrifice a little of your social life Prepare for less sleep Be sure you can commit the time for all work, be dedicated Don’t panic Prioritize Personally enriching Strong academic environment • AP is where procrastinators will hit the wall!

AP® Exams

AP® Exams AP Exams are administered by schools worldwide on set dates in May each year. • Exams are typically 2– 3 hours and include: • Multiple-choice questions • Free-response items such as essays, problem solving, document-based questions and oral response

AP Exam Grades 5 - Extremely Well Qualified - Statistically equates to high As in the comparable college course 4 - Well Qualified - Statistically equates to low As and high Bs in the comparable college course 3 – Qualified - Statistically equates to low Bs and high Cs in the comparable college course 2 - Possibly Qualified - Statistically equates to low Cs and high Ds in the comparable college course 1 - No Recommendation

AP® Exam Fees • The exam fee for 2017 is $93 per exam. Exams can be purchased online, unless you qualify for the Free and Reduced Lunch program. These exams must be purchased through or Student Store/ Cash or Charge only – No Checks • Low-income students who are o Free/Reduced Lunch can take each test for only $5 at Helix. • Helix currently subsides students who take over one exam. . Any exam at Helix over the first exam will cost the student $63. 00 • You can apply online for the Free and Reduced Lunch form on the Helix website. .

Why it’s Worth the Money Example Senior AP Student • 6 AP exams X $93 per exam = $558 AP tests • Passes 6 tests with a 3, 4, or 5 score • Qualifying Free/Reduced Lunch students only pay $5 per test College Savings from AP

Credit and Placement Opportunities Each college and university has its own policies regarding AP® credit and placement. The College Board offers information about AP credit at thousands of college and universities at www. collegeboard. org/apcreditpolicy. • Search by school name or alphabetically • Data for each school includes a direct link to that school’s Web page detailing AP credit and placement policies • A statement from the college or university about its AP policy

Next Steps: Is AP the Right Choice for You?

AP®: Start the Conversation Do you have the time for AP? • What sacrifices will you (parent)/they (student) be willing to make? • Do you have time to commit? Do you play sports? Club Sports? • Will you have other commitments outside of school that might get in the way of time to study? What AP courses are right for you? • Which courses do you enjoy most in school? In which subjects do you excel? • What college majors are you considering? What careers excite you? • Perhaps have your student sit-in on a course to see if it might be a fit. What steps do you need to take? • Speak with a student who has taken an AP course • Are there study groups or people who can offer help if I need it? • What can I do next to help me prepare for AP?

AP®: Resources Worth Exploring for Students and Families • AP information: apstudent. collegeboard. org • College and Career Planning: bigfuture. org • Personalized feedback, practice and college planning based on your PSAT/NMSQT® results: My College Quick. Start™ www. collegeboard. org/quickstart • AP credit policy information from colleges and universities: www. collegeboard. org/apcreditpolicy

Explore AP®: Take the Next Step

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