WHAT IS AP CAPSTONE What is AP Capstone

WHAT IS AP CAPSTONE?

What is AP Capstone? An innovative diploma program that equips students with independent research, collaborative teamwork, and communication skills. Research Skills Communication Skills ◦ Develop perspectives ◦ Work in teams ◦ Identify bias in sources ◦ Work with mentors ◦ Apply research methods ◦ Team presentations ◦ Produce scholarly work ◦ Individual presentations AP Seminar AP Research ◦ Critically evaluate sources to identify bias and develop own perspective ◦ Work with mentor to design and conduct individual research project ◦ Team paper and presentation ◦ 5, 000 word academic paper ◦ Individual paper and presentation ◦ Multimedia presentation ◦ Free Response EOC Exam ◦ Oral Defense

AP Capstone Learning Goals In AP Seminar, students learn how to: In AP Research, students learn how to: ◦ Think critically ◦ Build on AP Seminar skills ◦ Read critically ◦ Identify and refine research questions ◦ Gather credible evidence ◦ Seek and synthesize background information ◦ Analyze, interpret, and evaluate different perspectives ◦ Align study design ◦ Make claims, inferences, and connections ◦ Develop lines of reasoning supported by evidence ◦ Analyze and evaluate findings ◦ Engage with consultants ◦ Peer review ◦ Collaborate in teams ◦ Showcase scholarly work and defend inquiry outcomes ◦ Communicate publicly with appropriate media ◦ reflect

◦ Team Project and Presentation ◦ 20% of overall AP score ◦ Individual Research Report (1, 200 words) that is scored by College Board ◦ Team Multimedia Presentation and Defense (9 -10 minutes, plus defense questions) that is teacher scored. ◦ Individual Research-Based Essay and Presentation ◦ 35% of overall AP score ◦ Individual Written Argument (2, 000 words) that is scored by College Board and inspired from stimulus material provided by the College Board ◦ Individual Multimedia Presentation (6 -8 minutes) that is teacher scored ◦ Oral Defense (2 questions from the teacher) that is teacher scored AP Seminar Assessments Year 1 Students are assessed with two through-course performance tasks and one end-of-course exam. ◦ End-of-Course Exam ◦ 45% of overall AP score, given in May and College Board scored in June. ◦ Part A asks students to analyze an argument using evidence ◦ Part B asks student to build their own argument using given sources All three assessments are summative and will be included in the calculation of students’ final AP scores.

◦ Academic Paper ◦ 75% of overall AP score ◦ 4, 000 -5, 000 words (~15 -20 pages) ◦ Scored by College Board ◦ Presentation and Oral Defense ◦ ◦ 25% of overall AP score 15 -20 minutes for presentation 3 or 4 questions from a panel of three evaluators Teacher scored ◦ There is no end-of-course exam for AP Research Assessments Year 2 Students are assessed with one through-course performance task consisting of two distinct components. Both components will be included in the calculation of students’ final AP scores

Time Commitment and Expectations ◦ According to schools that have participated in the AP Capstone program, the time commitment is comparable to other AP courses. ◦ Students must research, read deeply, write and rewrite on a rigorous level, similar to expectations in high-level undergraduate classes. ◦ Though there are fewer smaller tasks, the level at which students are asked to think and communicate is at a much deeper level. This is not work that can be done the morning before class. ◦ AP Capstone classes require students to be self-motivated, organized, and to complete tasks through their own initiative. ◦ Group projects are REQUIRED.

Why is the AP Capstone Program worth the time and effort? ◦ Obviously, the skills gained will set students up for success in all future AP classes, college, and project management / research within the workplace. ◦ Few schools in NC offer this program. Thus the completion will set students apart on college admission applications, as well as resumes for internships, etc… ◦ The focus on skill-based in instruction, rather than an a-la-carte offering of subject-specific AP offerings, shows a focus and determination. ◦ It signifies your commitment to advanced-level coursework and your ability to achieve consistently at high-levels through your high school career. ◦ Capstone is the only AP course offered which requires students to present before a panel. Thus, it is the superlative College Board indicator of interpersonal and presentational skills.