Advanced Academic Program

1. Advanced Academic Program

2. Why are we here tonight? • Students have an opportunity to make choices in middle school that are new and exciting and like nothing they have experienced before…

3. Rigorous Path BISD believes it is vital for students to have every opportunity to excel through rigorous and challenging courses. Pre-Advanced and Advanced Placement courses offer options to excel in many areas of study. Students and parents should expect these courses to be more challenging, take more time, and require a different type of work that is rigorous and fast paced. The goal of the Pre-AP/AP program is to challenge and stimulate students to the highest level of their ability. BISD wants you to select Pre AP –and succeed!

4. Pre-Advanced Placement (Pre-AP) and Advanced Placement (AP) Courses • Both Pre-AP and AP are designed to meet the needs of gifted students as well as highly motivated students by offering a continuum of learning experiences that leads to the development of advanced level products or performances. • Pre AP PREPARES a student for Advanced Placement classes: • Critical Reading • Critical Thinking • Advanced problem solving • Work ethic

5. Prepare Now to Succeed in College Choices you make now help you prepare for choices in high school and beyond. A 1999 U.S. Department of Education study found that the strongest predictor of college graduation is something students do before they ever go to college: Participate in rigorous, college-level courses in high school—and AP courses in particular. Clifford Adelman, Answers in the Tool Box: Academic Intensity, Attendance Patterns, and Bachelor’s Degree Attainment (1999), U.S. Department of Education.

6. Who should take Pre-AP College Board suggests all willing students should be considered for admission to Pre-AP courses. BISD allows students to self select into Pre AP courses.

7. Math is Different….. Consider the options carefully • Pre AP Math Sequence: • 6th Pre AP Math moves at a different pace and covers topics in a more complex manner • 7th Pre AP Math is a COMPACTED course that COMBINES 7th and 8th grade math. (takes 8th grade STAAR) • 8th Pre AP is Algebra • Success in these classes is imperative for success at an advanced level in later courses. Without a strong foundation, students struggle with math. • BISD has specific guidelines for remaining in the Pre AP Math course sequence.

8. Interpreting STAAR STAAR Levels: Level III-Advanced Measures-The state defines this as well prepared for the next level without need for remediation or interventions. Level II-Satisfactory-The state defines as sufficiently prepared for the next level, but remediation and or interventions may be needed. Level I-Unsatisfactory-The state defines as not being prepared for the next level. http://www.tea.state.tx.us/student.assessment/staar/

9. “ As a 6th grader, I have enjoyed the challenge, but I did make some B grades, but I am very proud of those B’s!!!” “Math in 7th grade Pre AP moves really fast and you have to keep up. If you get behind, it is very hard.” “Middle school is exciting. I was afraid to sign up for Pre AP because there were so many other things—like band and choir and clubs, but I am glad I did and I have made new friends that like to work hard and do all the things I love to do. “ “I know my teacher wants me to succeed. I see other students not listen and not do their work and they struggle, but I do just fine.” “I love being challenged. I am an 8th grader and I have taken all Pre-AP, I am in band and I made the school play.”

10. Set High Expectations • High Achieving students should be performing at an advanced level in course work and should be taking advanced courses • On STAAR (middle school) and EOC (high school) the goal for these students is the Advanced Measure category • Advanced Measure on STARR not only indicates student is academically ready for the next level, but it is also the only way to reach the Distinguished Achievement Program Graduate status—the highest diploma possible

11. Have a No-Zero Policy at Home!

12. Parent Quotes • “I was nervous about my student entering into Pre-AP math and the first six weeks was very difficult. My child made a C for the first time in their academic career. But we made a plan and attended tutorials and now it is much better.” • “I had a realistic discussion with my student after seeing the courses they wanted next year. Writing has been a struggle all year long, so adding Pre AP ELA did not make sense, but my child is very passionate about math, so we selected that one.” • “I want my student to have the foundation for a great math career. The first semester of Pre AP was too overwhelming and I fear they have not mastered the concepts.” • “My student did not struggle with the heavier course loads, but we did have to commit to homework time and make a balance of activities.”

13. Recommended Guidelines for Pre-AP • Demonstrate successful completion of previous course taken in the subject area (i.e. 80% or higher as semester averages) • Achieved advanced measure on STAAR • Meet all course pre-requisites • Commit to the extra time necessary for class preparation: increased outside reading, sophisticated writing assignments, and projects or labs with complex problem solving (including attending tutorials as needed). • Seek teacher and/or counselor advisement on registering for class • Maintain a passing grade

14. Teacher Suggestions: • Teacher’s know motivation comes from many places—and they know students must be willing to become motivated for success. • Often elementary students never have to attend tutorials and they think they are punishment or for students that only struggle, but tutorials are for all students so that they can get the assistance they need to be successful • Do not allow your students to get into the habit of not doing work—zeros kill chances for success • Make homework a priority • Communicate and create positive relationships with teachers so that conflict between home and school is non existent

15. Big Picture • Pre AP courses prepare students for success in AP courses. • The preparation and practice a student does in middle school helps create the student they will be in high school and beyond.

16. AP and College Success™ Students who take AP courses and exams are much more likely than their peers to complete a bachelor’s degree in four years or less. Source:Camara, Wayne (2003). College Persistence, Graduation, and Remediation. College Board Research Notes (RN-19). New York, NY: College Board.

17. AP classes can save families money If you earn a qualifying grade on an AP Exam, you can receive credit for the equivalent course at thousands of colleges and universities: “I took AP throughout high school because it was the most interesting and well-taught program offered. When I reached college, I realized that I had accumulated a year’s worth of credits. I graduated from Michigan’s undergraduate business school a full year early, saving $30,000 and a year’s time.”—Nikki Baker, University of Michigan

18. Earn academic scholarships or awards Some of the most competitive scholarship awards value AP Exam grades: “Having the AP Exam grade can make the difference when it comes down to awarding precious scholarship dollars.” —Edwina Harris Hamby, Dean of AdmissionFisk University

19. Middle school is a time for great choices We know we have your most precious commodity with us and we are your partners in assisting with these choices. Our goals are mutual: success for your child in the path they choose.

20. Advanced Academic Specialist Cyndi Nyvall Haltom and Watauga Middle Advanced Academic Specialist Cynthia.nyvall@birdvilleschools.net Tracey Besgrove Advanced Academic Coordinator for BISD Tracey.besgrove@birdvilleschools.net Secondary Math Coordinator Kim.Hamilton@birdvilleschools.net