6 th Grade Pre-AP Classes. Should my child take Pre-AP classes?

Transcription

1 6 th Grade Pre-AP Classes Should my child take Pre-AP classes?

2 What is Pre-AP? The College Board administers The Advanced Placement (AP) Program, which allows students to participate in a college level course and possibly earn college credit while still in high school. Pre-Advanced Placement (Pre-AP) classes prepare students for AP classes.

3 Advantages of Pre-AP/AP Classes Pre-AP and AP classes prepare students better for college than regular classes. 90% of colleges and universities award credit or placement for high scores on AP exams. Students (and parents) could save money by entering college as a sophomore. A strong correlation exists between the level of education attained and median income.

4 General Differences between Regular and Pre-AP Pre-AP students should be able to learn more quickly and come to deeper conclusions. handle more project-based homework. work independently. compare and contrast new knowledge with prior knowledge. succeed on more rigorous curriculum-based coursework and assessments.

5 Supporting Gifted &Talented Students GT students are provided differentiated instruction through enrollment in Pre-AP courses. GT Language Arts 6 th Grade GT Language Arts 7 th Grade GT Language Arts 8 th Grade GT Language Arts

6 Math It is more difficult to enter Pre-AP math after the 6 th grade than it is for other subjects because the math curriculum is compacted and accelerated. Accelerated math track (state assessment): 6 th gr. = 6 th & 7 th grade TEKS (6 th Grade STAAR) 7 th gr. = 7 th & 8 th grade TEKS (8 th Grade STAAR) 8 th gr. = Algebra I (Algebra I End-of-Course)

7 Math The Pre-AP math pathway in middle school leads to Pre-Calculus as a junior and AP Calculus as a senior. It is imperative that 8 th grade math TEKS be mastered in order to be successful in high school math courses (Algebra, Geometry, Algebra II, Pre-Calculus & Calculus). Students who take AP Calculus typically take AP Physics concurrently.

8 Science Pre-AP students will be expected to write essays and to write complete scientific lab reports. Pre-AP students will be expected to extend experiments by changing variables and creating new experimental conditions. Pre-AP students may be expected to debate ethical issues. Pre-AP students will be expected to conduct independent research activities.

9 Social Studies Pre-AP students are expected to have added maturity when discussing sensitive subjects in relation to different cultures. Pre-AP students should be able to grasp the content and move into higher-order thinking tasks more quickly in writing and discussion. 8 th Grade Pre-AP Social Studies includes 2-3 novel studies with essays and extension projects.

10 English/Language Arts (ELA) Pre-AP students are expected to participate in class discussions that involve higher order thinking skills with maturity. Pre-AP students read higher-level novels independently and analyze them using AP strategies.

11 Indications that your child might be ready for Pre-AP Pre-AP students are usually Highly interested in subject and are self-motivated Responsible and self-disciplined often A or A/B honor roll students (Note: Be careful when using grades as a guide; sometimes students with lower grades respond well to the challenge of Pre-AP classes.)

12 Study Skills Students should be prepared to manage time appropriately and to be able to study independently at home. Students should have strong personal commitment to accomplishing the course requirements. Students in advanced courses are expected to turn in daily assignments when due. Summer assignment may be required.

13 How many Pre-AP classes? Pre-AP classes are offered in Math, English/Language Arts, Science, and Social Studies in the 6 th grade. Students may take one, two, three, or all four Pre-AP classes, depending on their own individual needs, outside activities and family lifestyle. Students and parents should carefully consider the work load if choosing to take all Pre-AP courses.

14 Balancing Life We all need to find a balance in our lives between extracurricular activities, outside activities, and academics. Help your child set goals with his/her future in mind. What will serve him/her best now? Pre-AP, as with other classes, is not something we can switch in or out of based on like/dislike, teacher preference, etc. Failure to maintain a passing grade for the first two six weeks of school will result in the consideration of assigning the student to a non- Pre-AP class at semester.

15 Questions to Discuss before Selecting a Pre-AP Class How motivated is my child to learn this subject? How self-disciplined is my child? How has my child prepared himself/herself for this subject? What does my child s current teacher think about these choices?

16 Registration for Counselors are visiting elementary schools this week and passing out choice sheets. Choice Sheets complete, sign, and return to current 5 th grade teacher. A student who does not return a choice sheet will have their elective chosen for them based on availability.

17 Registration for th Grade Students MUST take 4 core courses Math, Science, Social Studies and Language Arts 6 th Grade Students MUST take Physical Education/Health 6 th Grade Students will choose 1 other elective from the following: Theatre Arts*, Spanish I*, Band, Choir or Art I* *based on availability

18 Registration for Questions please contact: Academic Assistant Principal Libby Priddy Counselor for 6 th A-L - Maurie Yeoman myeoman@burlesonisd.net Counselor 6 th M-Z - Heather Dees hdees@burlesonisd.net