Swift Creek Middle School Bridge to AP

1. Swift Creek Middle School Bridge to AP

2. Benefits of an AP Program 85% of AP students continue their education beyond high school. 76% of students who take two or more AP courses attain a bachelor’s degree (regardless of whether they earn qualifying scores on AP courses and exams). 61% of students who take two or more AP courses and exams complete a bachelor’s degree in four years or less. Research from College Board

3. What Counts in College Admissions National Association of College Admissions % citing importance

4. The Program Pre-APstrategies are used to strengthen and align the curriculum across grade levels, and to increase the academic challenge for all students A rigorous Pre-AP will equip a student with the tools and habits to transition into a high school AP program and realize success immediately within those courses. The main advantage of taking a Pre-AP/AP course is better preparation for college.

5. Why AP? Research shows AP offers an answer to the aspects contained in our core beliefs • Students are capable and will meet high expectations • Students are unique thus there must be flexibility in the curriculum to meet the needs • Quality teaching is #1 99% of our students feed into Lincoln High School as 9th graders

6. Program Intent: The Swift Creek Bridge to AP Program is the only one of its kind in Leon County. • rigor in courses for students • opportunities for higher level courses • a seamless transition to a Advanced Placement Program at the high school level • close monitoring of students’ grades • Special Bridge to AP Field Trip

7. Pre IB or Bridge • Advanced • Placement • Aligned with AP course descriptions generated by College Board. Developed with a concentration on building student capacity to understand rigorous content • Students individual needs and strengths are considered. Students can be assigned all four core AP classes and exceptions for individual strengths will be considered. • Students have the opportunity to earn up to 9 high school credits in the following areas: Algebra I, Geometry, • Earth Space Science, Biology I, Spanish I and II, Latin I and II, HOPE. International Baccalaureate • Curriculum designed and implemented based upon an international standard. • Academic courses are assigned in all four academic areas. • Three high school credit foreign languages (Spanish/French/Chinese)are offered at level I & II. • Students have an opportunity to earn up to 8 high school credits. • Other high school credits that are offered are: Algebra I, Geometry, Physical Science, Journalism I & II.

8. Admissions The Bridge to AP Program is open to rising 6th graders zoned for Swift Creek who meet the admission criteria. • Test Scores FCAT level 4 and above in Reading* and/or Math** • Work Habits All E’s or S’s in work habits during 5th grade • Grades A 3.0 average in the four core areas during 5th grade • Teacher Recommendation * A Level 4 or 5 FCAT Reading score allows a student to be considered for Bridge Language Arts, Science and Social Studies. ** A Level 4 or 5 FCAT Math allows a student to be considered for Bridge Math.

9. The Admission Process? • We are currently in the process of preparing • for the 2014-2015 school year. • The following has already taken place: • 4th grade test scores have been analyzed • Invitations to the January 28th Parent Night have been sent • Shadowing applications are being received • In the next few months: • After the 3rd nine weeks -Report cards will be analyzed • April -Initial acceptance selections will be made • 5th grade test scores will be reviewed • June- Final acceptance letters will be sent

10. Once Admitted a Student Must: • maintain an acceptable disciplinary record for all classes • maintain a 3.0 “B” Average in core classes. • If a student’s average falls below a cumulative 3.0 he/she will be on probation for the following semester. • If the GPA is not raised above a cumulative 3.0 in the semester of the probation, he/she will be removed from the program.

11. A Successful Bridge Student • Has a genuine interest in the subject being considered • Demonstrates excellent study skills and habits • Carefully considers time commitments • Asks questions and participates in class • Perseveres when faced with challenging material • Asks for assistance when needed • Plans and works ahead on long term projects

12. Making Wise Choices Parents • Is your child a self-motivated, organized, independent worker? • Does your child need and/or have support with organizational and study skills on a daily basis? • How well does your child handle the rigors of a demanding academic workload? • Are they realistic about performance expectations for themselves? • Is your child involved in many activities? • Is his/her interest in this field consistent and significant? • Will your child be able to complete any outside-of-class work assignments without having to give up other activities he/she truly enjoys?

13. Making Wise Choices Parents • The key is to find the right balance for your child when requesting Pre-AP classes…keeping him/her “challenged” but not “overwhelmed”. • Parents are key to helping us better understand where that balance might be for an individual student. We can provide you with information regarding the program, but it is up to you and your child to decide whether or not you wish to participate in the rigorous Bridge to AP Curriculum. • Your child’s input is essential.

14. Social Studies English Math Science Electives 6th 7th 8th