DRISCOLL MIDDLE SCHOOL

PRE-ADVANCED PLACEMENT (PRE-AP)
COURSE INFORMATION

2006-2007

 INTRODUCTION: 

Sponsored by the College Board, Advanced Placement (AP) and Pre-AP is recognized through the nation as an initiative that will prepare students for the academic challenges that lie ahead. AP is a program of  rigorous courses/exams that give high school students the opportunity to earn advanced placement and/or credit for college.

Pre-AP is not a course or prescribed curriculum. Teachers learn strategies to help students engage in active questioning, analysis, develop, and encourage higher-level thinking.

The Pre-AP initiative was developed in response to the community’s request for a more rigorous curriculum and to promote greater academic equity and excellence to all students.

Preparing and motivating students for AP classes must begin early. Students who acquire analytical thinking and communication skills in the middle and early high school years are more likely to succeed in the academically challenging courses such as those in the AP program. The Pre-AP program at middle school gives the students an advantage on the AP track in high school.

Pre-AP classes in middle school contribute to the student’s academic development by stressing topics and strategies that are essential to AP success. The type of work expected will require a higher level of  thinking, more in-depth analysis and greater problem solving skills.

Students who participate in Pre-AP English or Pre-AP science classes will read more challenging literature that may include a non-fiction book with a science connection, write more complex and mature compositions/research papers, develop more independent analytical reasoning skills, and disciplined study habits. Challenge and rigor are designed for every Pre-AP class, in every school across the country.

AP Vertical Teams bring the principles of educational excellence and equity to the classroom. Teachers can expose a broader segment of students to academic habits necessary for success in AP and other challenging courses. Teachers at middle and high schools have worked together to make Pre-AP available to middle school students.

North East has established an open enrollment policy for all Pre-AP and AP classes. Strong academic skills and disciplined study skills, as well as commitment and motivation on the part of students are required to enroll. Students who choose to enroll in Pre-AP class must sign a contract of commitment for the semester.

Pre-AP and AP teachers reflect a higher training standard. These teachers attend institutes in the summer and additional training during the school year. They also participate in professional development that supports the accelerated instruction provided in their classes.

North East is strongly committed to offering a rigorous program of study that will challenge all students to excel while providing opportunities for those who have advanced skills..

PARENT LETTER

Dear Student and Parent,

Middle School Pre-AP courses provide a solid foundation for the challenging high school prep courses: Pre-AP and AP. Please work through the survey below. If your responses are “consistently” or “to a great extent,” we hope you will select a Pre-AP course. If there are a number of “not at all” or “to some extent” responses, it is probably best to wait before taking the more rigorous Pre-AP classes.

PLEASE CONSIDER:

• A substantial amount of work outside of class is required for successfully completing a Pre-AP course.

• The amount of time co-curricular activities (band, choir, orchestra, sports, etc.) consume should be weighed with the additional time needed for a Pre-AP course.

• The total number of challenging classes being considered (including electives) should be considered carefully.

• The degree of interest and self-discipline of the student will affect success.

• GRADES EARNED IN PRE-AP CLASSES MAY BE LOWER THAN GRADES MADE IN PREVIOUS GENERAL COURSES OF THE SAME SUBJECT.

Use school/homework time productively. Avoid last minute panic.

Demonstrate self-control.

Exhibit proficient oral and written communication skills.

Cooperate and work effectively with others on assignments.

Consider a variety of alternatives when solving problems.

Turn in all assignments.