FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT ADVANCEC PLACEMENT AND PRE-AP

Transcription

1 1. Is the AP Exam the same across the nation? Yes, AP exam for the particular courses are the same across the nation. The test dates are the same for everyone. 2. How is the AP score calculated? See the slide in the presentation regarding scoring of the AP exam. 3. Does each AP class have a dedicated textbook? Yes 4. Do you offer all AP courses for the sophomore year? Yes. Typical sophomore AP course includes AP World History. Another option is AP Computer Science, AP Psychology and AP Human Geography. Some students who have already earned the first three credits of the same foreign language may also qualify for AP Language courses. 5. If the kids take only one AP course don t they struggle when they take other AP courses for the next year as the subjects get harder each year? The subjects don t necessarily get harder each year. A student who takes an AP course one year may find the next year s AP course a little easier. For example: A student in AP World History (10 th grade) may have a more difficult time than a student taking AP U.S. History (11 th grade). However, this depends on the interests of the student and his/her future goals. 6. What AP courses are available in the 9 th grade year? As of now, AP Computer Science is the only AP course for 9 th graders. Note: Availability is dependent on number of sections offered etc. (some languages as above) 7. Is AP World History offered during the summer? At this time, AP World History is not currently being offered during the summer in Katy ISD. Monitor the Katy Virtual School website for course offerings: n.aspx 8. Do you recommend students to take edx/mooc courses for AP given by different universities? We recommend courses offered by Katy Virtual School. Those courses follow Katy ISD standards and have met College Board approval. Oftentimes, Katy ISD does not accept credit from outside sources. Check with your child's counselor for acceptable options before enrolling in any outside class. These are good resources to use but it is recommended that students take the year-long AP course instead. 9. Can students take online AP courses outside of KISD that will be accepted? Same as #8; Check with your child's counselor for details.

2 10. Which grade can they start taking online these courses? 10 th students must fill out an application to take online classes which are approved by the counselors and school administration. 8th grade students may start taking Pre AP courses online the summer before their freshman year. See Katy Virtual School Website for additional details. World Geography Pre AP and academic are offered through Katy Summer Academic Term as well. 11. How about credits for American Sign Language? No AP class or exam currently exists for American Sign Language (ASL). However, students may earn their foreign language requirement by taking this language. Always check with your specific university to ensure that they accept ASL as a foreign language. 12. Is there a cost for the AP class or only exam? Only the AP exam requires a fee. Additional information may be found at: Compare the jump from Pre-AP to AP with AP to college level courses. There is a little more of a jump from PreAP to AP. During course selection, students should have conversations with their PreAP teacher about taking AP. High performing academic level students should also discuss the possibility of Pre AP/AP courses as well. 14. Are AP exams taken only during Senior year? No, they are taken in May upon the completion of the AP course regardless of grade level. 15. Are there any statistics that correlate number of AP courses a student takes to how they score on their test? For example student takes 1 AP course, scores a 5 vs. taking 3 AP courses and score a 3 or less. Good question, but I do not have any of these statistics at this time. 16. Why is my freshmen student not allowed to register for an AP course? Currently, the only 9 th grade course that is AP is Computer Science. Keep in mind, AP is a collegelevel course that requires extensive preparation. In addition, most AP courses have prerequisites. Ex: The AP English Language prerequisite is English 2 or Pre AP English 2. They will have plenty of opportunities from sophomore to senior year to take AP. 17. Do the students take any special class support from their school for AP exams? Most courses will offer AP Exam Reviews prior to the AP Exam. Katy Virtual School also provides reviews for students who take the courses online over the summer.

3 18. Do any of the students us a 3 rd party tutor or learning center? Some students do feel that outside tutoring is beneficial. However, Katy ISD AP instructors have received extensive training and provide quality instruction and tutoring opportunities. 19. What are the signs that it is time to exit an AP course? Earning high school credit is important. However, in most cases, some conversation with the teacher and time spent after school resolves the issue and the student goes on to succeed. See district Pre AP/AP drop policy. 20. What is dual credit? How is AP better than dual credit? Both are outstanding options to obtain college credit. Currently, Katy ISD has more AP course offerings. AP courses are on the 5.0 grading scale. Dual Credit courses are on the 4.0 grading scale. Dual credit also has specific guidelines for admission. 21. Is there a benefit to KISD to number of AP classes? Better funding? No, there really is no benefit to the district for the number of kids taking AP. It shows that our students are challenging themselves and preparing for college readiness by enrolling in such courses. 22. What is the process of exiting an AP class if necessary? Prior to exiting an AP class, the student will need to have constant communication with the AP teacher. A form will need to be signed by the student, parent, and teacher before exiting the class if completed within the required timeline and class expectations. See the exit guidelines when it becomes available. 23. What is the % of students in KISD that take at least one AP class? We do not have that info. 24. How many AP classes do students usually take? This depends on the student. 25. If they make a low score on the AP exam, can they try again? How many attempts? Students may retake an AP exam. However, they will be required to wait until the next school year to do so and they will not be enrolled in the course again. 26. Does summer school offer AP courses? Yes, but only online courses are offered in Katy Virtual School. 27. Do they have homework every day? How many hours are spent each night? This depends on the course and its requirements. 28. As a parent, am I able to help my child with homework or prepare for the exam? Parents are always helpful. On the other hand, students are learning how to study and learn independently as well. 29. How often can they change their courses? Students may change their course during course selections in the spring. After that, students must follow the AP/Pre AP drop procedure.

4 30. Can the score be omitted on the transcript if requested, due to a low score? Katy ISD does not send AP scores nor is it listed on our student s transcripts. 31. Is it one AP per year or one AP for all 4 years of high school? There isn t a specific number of courses that students should take each year. The amount depends on availability of the course and the specific academic goals of each student. 32. Do they take exams every May or only during their 12 th grade year? During the first two weeks of May, AP courses are given to all AP courses, not just 12 th grade courses. Also, please keep in mind that there are still several weeks left in the school year following the AP exam. See the exam schedule: Without knowing if I can handle AP Physics, how do I decide on it? Talk to the current science and math teacher and get their recommendation. 34. An 89 or lower will be entered as a B on the transcript for AP class. Is this bad compared to someone in PreAP making a 90? Pre AP and AP courses are both on the 5.0 scale. If a student makes an 89 in Pre AP, this would give the student four grade points. If the student made an 89 in an academic level course, the student would earn three grade points. 35. If I don t take AP are my chances to college slim? No, colleges will look at several different things when deciding admission. They will also review your extracurricular activities, grades, and leadership. 36. As a junior high student going into 9 th grade what are some ways I can prepare myself for the AP classes? Read as much as you can. Also, review math and science concepts. Begin formulating a study plan and deciding how you will balance your studies and extracurricular activities. 37. How many AP classes do you recommend? This is different for each student. To be successful in AP, students must have time management and organizational skills. Also, students must have a solid work ethic and be willing to ask questions and seek help when needed. 38. What advice do you have for a parent of a bright child who unfortunately has the attitude of not wanting to take courses that are challenging? How do you help them not slip into a pattern of underachievement? If you have an underachieving student, consider the following when choosing an academic program: -exploration of student interests -career exploration -focus on real-world experiences

5 -study and organization strategies -possibly enlist the help of an academic coach and/or counselor