Welcome to Independence

The Independence High School Advanced Academics Philosophy

● Open enrollment ● Student support ● Teacher preparation

What is PAP/AP?

● PAP = Courses designed to prepare students for AP courses AP = College-level courses measured by end of year exams

• AP Exams provide students the opportunity to

receive college credit.

• All AP courses include the same curriculum across

the nation.

• Colleges understand the rigor of the program and

look favorably on the AP program.

• PAP/AP classes carry an additional GPA weight

Grade Point Average (GPA)

Dual Credit Regular Grade Point AP/PAP

95 94 93 92 91 90 89 88 87 86 85 84 97 96 95 94 93 92 91 90 89 100 99 98 97 96 95 94

5.5

5.4

5.3

5.2

5.1

5.0

4.9

4.8

4.7

4.6

4.5

4.4

Benefits of the AP Program

• Students who take AP courses and exams are much

more likely to graduate in four years.

• Students who take longer to graduate from a public

university typically pay between $8,000 and $19,000 for each additional year.

• Students gain college-level analytical and study

skills.

• Taking AP increases eligibility for scholarships and

makes candidates more attractive to colleges.

• Students gain academic confidence.

AP Potential Letters from IHS

“In October, ________ took the PSAT/NMSQT ® . By using AP Potential TM , a program based on PSAT/NMSQT scores, we are able to identify students who may be ready for the challenge of AP course work.”

What Counts in College Admissions

Recommendations Essays Grades in ALL Classes SAT/ACT Scores Strength of Curriculum Grades in Challenging Classes

NACAC 2008

21% 27% 52% 54% 62% 75%

Admission Trends: NACAC Admission Trends Survey 2008

The Benefits of AP for Students Down the Road

● You do not have to take the “weed out” classes…..Freshman college classes are typically very large.

● In many schools, teaching Assistants teach entry level college classes.

● Rigorous coursework prepares you for college and time requirements before you pay ($$$).

PAP/AP vs. On- Level Classes

Students How much more work is it?

Are they harder?

Can I have a life?

Parents What do colleges want to see?

Can my child handle it?

How involved should I be?

Responsibilities of AP Students

1. A willingness to actively engage with sophisticated concepts.

- Desire to be challenged - Ask questions during class - Seek help when you need clarification - Stay organized 2. A willingness to be judged by rigorous, college level standards.

- More written vs. objective tests - Open-ended questions - Faster pace - More depth

Responsibilities of AP Students

3. A willingness to complete longer and more complex nightly assignments.

- 30-50 pages a week of outside reading - 30 minutes to 1 hour of homework 4. A willingness to complete the Advanced Placement Examination in May.

- Studying/meeting outside of class - Accumulating knowledge and skills

Duty of AP Teachers

College Rigor High School Reality

BALANCE

Duty of AP Teachers

GROWTH

AP Examinations

● Administered in May ● Approximately 3 hours long ● Composed of multiple choice and free-response questions ● Free-response questions scored by college professors and AP teachers in June

AP Examinations Interpretations of Scores

5 — Extremely Well Qualified 4 — Well Qualified 3 — Qualified 2 — Possibly Qualified 1 — No Recommendation

What scores do colleges accept?

AP World History – 10 th grade course

College

UT Austin Texas A & M Texas Tech TCU Rice UCLA Harvard U of Chicago

AP Score 4 or 5 4 or 5 3, 4, 5 4 or 5 4 or 5 3, 4, 5 4 or 5 4 or 5 Course HIS 306 N HIST 104 HIST 2322 or 2323 HIST 10953 HIST 108 HIST World None Electives Credit hours 3 3 3 3 3 8.0 units none 3 quarters Other Advancement to higher levels

Exam Fees

● $89 exam fee. If you're in financial need, contact your counselor concerning a fee reduction.

● FISD refunds $50 of the exam fee for students that score a 3, 4, or 5. ● Cost of a 3 hr. course (tuition and fees) UNT - $1091 UT Austin - $2059 (College of Liberal Arts)

What do IHS students Think about PAP/AP?

1.Why did you decide to take PAP/AP?

2.How much time do you spend on homework per class?

3.How do you handle the workload?

4.What was your biggest struggle, and how did you overcome it?

5.What do you need from your parents to help you succeed?

6.What advice would you give to someone interested in enrolling in PAP/AP classes?

Supporting PAP/AP Students 1. Summer Orientation 2. PAP/AP CIT Committee 3. Study Groups / Peer Tutoring

The Advanced Placement Program and Pre-AP™ ®

It’s not just an Examination. It’s not just a Course.

It’s An Opportunity to Write Your Own Scholarship!

“A pupil from whom nothing is ever demanded… never does all that he can.” John Stuart Mill