Presented by: Carrie Rivera

Advanced Academics CoordinatorLowery Freshman Center

15 Pre-AP/IB Courses

1 AP Course

46 total teachers

1283 students enrolled (about 74% of student population)

Students have a “right to rigor”.

We owe them the opportunity to experience true academic

challenges before they enter college.

Students enrolled in advanced courses frequently—

Analyze and interpret texts, data, and evidence

Write critically about a particular topic

Create arguments and defend a position on a topic

Develop and test hypotheses

Answer questions like: “How?”, “Why?” and “What if?”

Students enrolled in advanced courses rarely—

Recite definitions

Repeat memorized facts

Answer higher level questions beyond “What?” or “Who?”

When we hear reports of this, we investigate.

We have found:◦ Evidence of overwork—trying to do far more than

what is required or rampant perfectionism

◦ Students dividing their time—lack of focus on studying and more focus on social media, music, etc.

◦ Using middle school strategies

◦ Studying what is known instead of what is not known

College Course

Homework– what it looks like; how long it takes

How to be successful in AP Human Geography ◦ Expectations for class

◦ Tutoring

◦ Resources

◦ Communication

◦ Opportunities to bring up grade

Grades

Only way to earn college credit for the course

Cost - $97 (anticipated)

Mock Exam: April 27, 2019 @ LFC

AP Exam Format

Timed Class Tests

78% pass rate on AP Exam last year!

When is the AP Human Geography exam?

Tuesday, May 14, 2019

Failure:

is part of the learning process

does not mean the student is in the wrong course

is normal when students are exposed to academic challenges

is not “official” until the grading period/semester ends

is scary for students who have never experienced it in an academic setting

is uncomfortable

is temporary

is not destiny!

Staying organized◦Get a planner and use it!

Digital and paper planners are very different! Use the one you are most efficient and comfortable with daily.

◦ Plan 2-3 weeks out to anticipate upcoming work/projects. Budget your time to complete work…don’t procrastinate!

◦Allow for time to reflect on learning Chunk the work into smaller parts for review to make it

more manageable.

Studying and Tutoring◦Don’t waste time on what you already know. Active studying will help you to identify gaps in

knowledge.

If you can explain in depth, you know it!

The more often you study the less you have to study.

◦Attend tutoring! Tutoring is available with almost any teacher either before

or after school.

Have a list of questions ready for tutoring.

Address assignments that may need to be redone.

Recognize the ebb and flow of the grading period Low grades tend to rise as the student acclimates to the

course and the teacher May represent habits and not knowledge Understand how your average is calculated (grade

weights/percentages) Look long-term, not short-term Revise / resubmit opportunities

VALUE LEARNING OVER GRADES!

Students who receive Special Education or Section 504 services do take advanced courses (and are successful!)

A disability does not necessarily mean a student cannot complete rigorous coursework.

Accommodations available on the PSAT, SAT, ACT, and in college

17% of the LFC population this year!

Gifted does not mean: ◦ Gets high grades easily ◦ Loves school

Pre-AP/IB GT Phoenix English- course option for GT-identified students

GT Parent Meeting

October 23, 2018

6-7 PM in the LFC library

Presented ByShelly Holmes

Advanced Academics CoordinatorAllen High School

Developed by the College Board (PSAT, SAT)

AP’s mission: To widen access to rigorous, college-level coursework

for high school students.

AP is an option for linear thinkers who are motivated to learn and

who thrive in a rigorous classroom environment.

Exams are mostly M/C with a writing component.

5.0 weight on the GPA scale

Allen High School

AP Course Offerings:

• Art- Drawing

• Art- 2D Design

• Art- 3D Design

• Art History*

• Biology*

• Calculus AB

• Calculus BC

• Chemistry

• English Language

• English Literature

• Environmental Science

• French Language 4

• Government- US

• History- European

• History- U.S.

• Macroeconomics

• Music Theory

• Physics 1 (motion, momentum, circuits)

• Physics 2

• Physics C (electricity, mechanics, magnetism)

• Statistics*

• Psychology

• Spanish Language 4

• World History*

*Indicates courses open to 10th grade students.

Operated by the International Baccalaureate Organization

The IBO’s mission is to develop internationally-minded people who help create a better and more peaceful world.

IB is an option for questioners who are looking for a well-rounded, complete academic program.

Is not only for students going to college in another country (common misconception)

Exams are mostly writing with some M/C in a science exams.

5.0 weight on the GPA scale

Earning an IB Diploma

Complete IB coursework in 11th-12th grades:

1. HL English Language & Literature

2. HL or SL second language at least through Level IV (Chinese, French, German, or Spanish)

3. HL History of the Americas/20th Century Topics

4. HL or SL Science (Biology, Chemistry, Physics)

5. HL or SL Math, SL Math Studies

6. Elective (HL/SL Art, SL Music, HL/SL Psychology, or a second science course)

Complete Theory of Knowledge (TOK) (2 years)

Research and write the Extended Essay

Complete CAS (Creativity-Activity-Service) experiences

Carrie Rivera—Advanced Academics Coordinator, Lowery Freshman Center

carrie.rivera@allenisd.org

Shelly Holmes—Advanced Academics Coordinator, Allen High School

shelly.holmes@allenisd.org

mailto:carrie.rivera@allenisd.orgmailto:shelly.holmes@allenisd.org