Advanced Placement Handbook 2018-2019

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A committee of Pre-Advanced Placement and Advanced Placement teachers from the Oologah High School campus came together to develop this document. This document was created for two reasons: first, to promote excellence as well as consistency throughout the AP and G/T program at the secondary level; second, to ensure that our community, educators, parents, and students are kept informed of the policies and procedures that were designed to provide a quality program that meets the needs of advanced and gifted learners. With the continued commitment and dedication of all, we will continue to maintain quality program services.

Committee Members Rebekah Askew Sara Craig Amanda Salt Kevin Hogue Christi Harper

Contact Information

Kevin Hogue Principal 918-443-6000 [email protected]

Counselor Sara Craig 918-443-6000 [email protected] (11 – 12)

Dawn Counselor [email protected] 918-443-6000 Martinez (9 – 10)

HS Gifted and [email protected] Amanda Salt Talented 918-443-6000

Coordinator

www.oologah.k12.ok.us

http://apcentral.collegeboard.com

2 Advanced Placement Handbook

This handbook sets forth the Oologah High School’s Advanced Placement Program. The handbook outlines the services, policies and procedures for G/T students and regular students in the Advanced Placement program. The G/T students are served through the Pre-AP and AP program in the four core areas: English, Math, Science, and Social Studies. The purpose of this working document is to clarify expectations for students enrolled in advanced courses at the high school and to explain the procedures and requirements.

The content and curricular goals of each AP discipline are outlined in an AP Course Description supplied by the College Board. AP courses are characterized by an immersion in college-level content, an accelerated pace, and a performance assessment at the synthesis and evaluative levels. Typically, successful AP students are task-oriented, proficient readers, able to prioritize their time, and have parental support. The AP program prepares students for the future by giving students tools that will serve them well throughout their college career.

The gifted and talented (Pre-AP and AP) courses challenge and enrich motivated college-bound students to expand their education beyond the typical secondary program. Pre-AP and AP course work develops advanced skills and content background to prepare students for Advanced Placement (AP) exams as well as the college environment.

What is the Advanced Placement (AP) Program at OHS?

The AP Program serves the gifted and talented (G/T) and regular students enrolled at Oologah High School. This program incorporates high-level educational services to meet the needs of those gifted and talented students. It provides access to quality education for G/T students, accelerates learning, rewards achievement, and enhances the high school and college programs. Each teacher who teaches advanced courses (Pre-AP, AP) is trained in Advanced Placement curriculum. G/T students at OHS are serviced through the Pre-Advanced Placement and Advanced Placement program in English, Math, Science, and Social Studies. If a student has been identified as G/T, the following suggestions are highly recommended:

1. Student enrolls in at least one advanced (Pre-AP or AP) course in one of the four core areas: English, Social Studies, Math, and/or Science.

2. Student continues advanced enrollment throughout his/her high school career.

Characteristics of students successful in advanced courses:

 Willing to work hard; willingness to spend the time and effort required for success  Intellectual curiosity; an interest in knowing and learning more (in depth, more detail, more material)  Self-disciplined, with good organizational skills  Solid academic (content) background in prerequisite courses  Looks beyond the immediate assignment; desire to learn for more than a grade  Provides valuable contributions in class

3 Characteristics of students NOT successful in advanced courses:

 Takes courses because of prestige or pressure from friends and/or family; lack of real interest in the subject  Overloaded with work, school activities, sports, church activities, and/or charitable work  Does school work because it is assigned rather than to know, understand, and grow  Difficulty in seeing “global” relationships and more likely to notice only the immediate application  Doesn’t actively participate in class  Greater interest in debating ideas and/or ideology rather than in a thorough, objective analysis of a topic

Oologah High School Required Procedures:

Students who are enrolled in advanced courses are to adhere to the following procedures. Failure to do so may result in removal from the class. Students will be required to sign contracts* outlining the course requirements with individual teachers. These procedures will be followed in the Pre-AP and AP courses: *Students will not be enrolled in a Pre-AP or AP Course without a signed contract by both parent/guardian and student.

1. Makeup Work and Late Work: The policy for makeup work after an excused absence is outlined in the Student Handbook.

Late work will not be accepted for major assignments or projects. Further clarification of the late- work policy will be given by individual teachers. In extenuating circumstances, a student may request review of his/her case by the AP Committee.

2. Extra Credit: Extra credit assignments will not be awarded in advanced courses.

3. Grading: Each course has its own set of grading standards which reflect its unique nature. Therefore, it is necessary to review individual course criteria and policies when calculating grades. Likewise, College Board Tests in May each have their own individual criteria and grading scales. (See www.collegeboard.com for addition information about specific courses.)

4. AP Exam: Students are required to take the AP exams for all AP courses in which they are enrolled during the 2018-2019 school year. By signing the agreement, you agree to take and pay for the test/s you are enrolled in. The exams are given over a two-week period in May. The cost of the Exam is $94 for one test, $69 for two or more tests and $10 per test for qualifying low income students. Upon enrolling in an AP course at Oologah High School and signing the verification form, you agree to pay for and take the Advanced Placement test given by the College Board in May of 2019. Qualifying scores on AP exams enable students to get university credit or advanced placement at most universities.

• Taking the AP Exam provides an opportunity for students to earn college credit and/or advanced placement in college. Even if the student does not earn a score high enough to receive college credit, there are still many great benefits from taking this timed exam. • Reduced Exam Fee Waivers will be available for those who qualify.

4 5. Drop Procedures (Pre – AP or AP): A student will have the first five class days* to decide whether or not to drop the advanced course. Before a student will be dropped the Counselor will meet with the Principal and speak to the parent/guardian. If the parent is unavailable, the Counselor, the Principal, the teacher, and student will make the decision of the placement of the student pending parent approval. If it is decided that the student will remain in the class, the student must remain until the end of the year. No student will be allowed to drop an AP course after the first five days of the class.

6. PSAT, SAT and ACT Students enrolled in advanced courses or involved in the G/T program are encouraged to take the PSAT, SAT, and ACT early in their high school careers. It is recommended that students take these tests more than once; it has been proven that student’s scores usually improved with multiple tries on these standardized tests. Any type of computer program or booklet that helps a student prepare is always beneficial.

*Oologah High School became an approved testing site for the ACT. It is our hope we will be able to encourage more of our students to take the ACT as well as offer them familiar and comfortable surroundings while testing.

National Merit Scholars are determined from the PSAT scores taken during their junior year, so this test should be taken very seriously. Students should contact their counselor early in September for more information regarding these tests.

AP Committee The AP Committee is a committee comprised of AP teachers and building administrators. It is the responsibility of this Committee to encourage participation in AP classes and to continuously monitor the success of the AP programs. The AP Committee studies, recommends, and implements policies governing the advanced placement programs. The AP Committee will also review concerns of parents and students to protect the student from failure.

The Appeals Process Appeals Statement for Behavior/Grades/Attendance/Test Score Problems

For the appeals process, you must:  Schedule a meeting in the counselor’s office with Mrs. Craig for a meeting with the AP Committee.  Have a parent/guardian attend your meeting with you.  Bring your statement filled out with you to the Appeals Meeting.  Be prepared to reference your past grades, class performance, study skills, and academic strengths to the committee.  Be prepared to explain to the committee why you encountered problems, either academically or behaviorally, previously.  Be prepared to have your parent/guardian explain your past problems and support your desire(s).  How are you planning to change your actions and behaviors to be successful in an AP program? Why do you believe you can be successful in other AP programs considering your past academic/behavioral problems?

Responsibilities ADVANCED PLACEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES

Student’s Responsibilities:

 I will dedicate myself to succeeding in my coursework.  I understand the AP courses will be very rigorous and demanding of my time.  Positive attendance in AP courses is mandatory to success.  I agree to complete all summer reading and homework assignments.  I understand all summer assignments are due no later than the first day of school in August. I understand incomplete summer assignments will have a negative effect on my overall course grade.  Turning in assignments, homework and projects on time is crucial to success.  I understand successful completion of each AP course requires approximately seven or more hours of individual study time per week, including outside readings, projects, and papers.  I agree to attend class meetings outside the AP class. This could include review sessions, class trips, and/or tutoring sessions.  I am responsible for purchasing supplemental materials for some of the AP courses. (This requirement will be made known through the course descriptions for the various courses. Financial aid will be available for students with financial need.)  I will consistently work as hard as I can, and will ask for help as soon as I feel that I need it.  I am aware that there is no dropping a Pre AP or AP course after the first five days of class. I must stay in an AP course for a full year, and cannot drop half way through the semester or year for any reason.  I am aware that failing grades can only be replaced by retaking the same AP course, and summer school in a non-AP class will not replace the AP grade on my transcripts.  I agree to take the AP Exam.  I am aware that plagiarism, (copying another persons’ work and using their words as my own) is not tolerated. Any infraction of any kind, or degree, will result in disciplinary action, parent involvement, and a grade of F. I may be dismissed from an AP course and/or subject to other forms of school discipline. My individual student integrity is a standard of excellence for Advanced Placement.

Parent’s Responsibilities:

 I understand that AP courses are college level courses and will be very rigorous and demanding of my child’s time.  I understand that AP courses require that I monitor my child’s progress and study habits during the course of the school year.  I will consistently encourage and help my child by providing a quiet place and adequate time for studying at home, or ensure that my child attends school tutoring for extra help.  I will make it possible for my child to attend required sessions after school, during summer and on weekends.  I understand that by being enrolled in this AP course my child is required to take the AP exam ($89.00 per exam).  I will maintain good communication between home and school and contact the school when I have questions or concerns.  I am aware that there is no dropping a Pre AP or AP course after the first five days of class. I understand my child must stay in an AP course for a full year, and cannot drop half way through the semester or year for any reason.

Teacher’s Responsibilities:  I will explain and model assignments so that students can have a clear understanding of instructional materials.  I will provide instruction in a way that will motivate and encourage students.  I will provide class rules with consequences and rewards.  I will evaluate students’ progress regularly.  I will provide good communication between school and home.  I will provide a safe, positive and healthy learning environment for students.  I will prepare students adequately for the AP exam, and see that all students to take AP exams.

Counselor’s Responsibilities:  I will check students’ available state test scores prior to scheduling them in AP courses to analyze potential success in AP courses prior to recommending/scheduling students.  I will do an attendance check to verify all AP applicants are likely to have successful attendance habits to meet the requirements of AP courses prior to recommending/scheduling students.  I agree to only enroll those students who have successfully completed all contract prerequisites for AP courses.  I agree that I will not drop any AP student after the first five days of class, unless the following parties (student, parent/guardian, counselor, AP teacher, AP Appeals Committee, and administrator) have all agreed to allow such an occurrence after deadlines, and only in the instance of exceptional circumstances.

7 Appendix

PSAT/NMSQT®*

Students enter National Merit Scholarship Corporation (MNSC) competitions by taking the PSAT/NMSQT®, usually as juniors, and meeting published program entry/participation requirements. Each year’s PSAT/NMSQT is the qualifying test designated for entry to participation to the National Merit Scholarship competition. Registration for the test is done by the high school rather than by individual student. Students should see their counselor to make arrangements to take the PSAT/ NMSQT at the school in October.

When to Take the PSAT/NMSQT®

• Students who plan to spend four years in high school (grades 9-12) before entering college full time must take the PSAT/NMSQT in their third year (grade 11, junior year). They will be entering the completion that ends when awards are offered in the spring of their fourth high school year (grade 12, senior year), the same year they will leave high school and enter college.

Although some schools encourage their sophomores to take the PSAT/NMSQT for guidance purposes, these students must retake the test as juniors to enter NMSC’s competitions if they are spending the usual four years of study in grades 9 through 12.

Fees

The fee for the 201585093 PSAT/NMSQT was $14.00. The College Board makes fee waivers available for eligible juniors. See Mrs. Craig for more information about fee waivers.

*National Merit Scholarship Corporation – http: www.nationalmerit.org/

Contact your Craig for registration information and for additional testing information in September 2018.

8 NATIONAL MERIT SCHOLARSHIP CORPORATION 1560 Sherman Avenue, Suite 200, Evanston, IL 60201-4897 (847)866-5100

National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) is an independent not-for-profit organization that operates without government assistance. NMSC conducts privately financed annual competitions for recognition and college undergraduate scholarships through its two programs — the

National Merit® Scholarship Program and the National Achievement Scholarship Program. Through the National Merit Program, NMSC also conducts competitions for Special Scholarships sponsored by corporate and business organizations.

High school students enter these competitions by taking the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT ), usually as juniors, and meeting other published entry/participation requirements. These requirements are given in the PSAT/NMSQT Student Bulletin sent to high schools for distribution to students. The Bulletin explains steps in NMSC competitions and describes groups of students honored and awards offered; it also provides sample PSAT/NMSQT questions with hints and tips for answering them and a practice test for self-scoring. Each year's PSAT/NMSQT is the qualifying test designated for entry to a particular year's competitions.

As cosponsor of the test, NMSC receives the scores of all students who take the PSAT/NMSQT. Selection Index scores (verbal + math + writing skills scores) of students who meet NMSC program entry requirements are used to designate high scorers to receive recognition. In both the Merit

Scholarship® and Achievement Scholarship® competitions, students who qualify as Semifinalists, and then meet academic and other standards to advance to the Finalist level, are considered for scholarships. Candidates for Merit, Special, and Achievement Scholarship awards are identified by NMSC, which sends scholarship applications to these students through their high schools.

Questions about these scholarship programs which are not answered in the PSAT/NMSQT Student Bulletin should be directed to NMSC.

The names National Merit®, Merit Scholarship®, Achievement Scholarship®, and the corporate logo ® are federally registered service marks of NMSC; the names Merit ScholarSM and Achievement ScholarSM also are service marks ofNMSC.

9 2018-2019 SAT Program Test Dates Available by April 2017 at:

http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/sat/reg.html

The College Board recently launched a new registration process aimed at improving the online experience for students signing up for SAT® and SAT Subject Test administrations. The new process features an intuitive, student-friendly design and the ability to choose and reserve a test center location in real time.

The College Board has updated their system to provide real-time visibility into the availability of all test centers. “This new design helps modernize SAT registration,” said Laurence Bunin, senior vice president of the SAT Program. “We believe students will find the new process to be helpful, efficient and, dare we say, ‘cool.’”

If a test center is not available, the system will now display a reason for its closure. Also, students will be able to look up test centers by zip code and school name, and compare travel distances. A newly redesigned administration ticket will complete the process, making it easier for students to check in on test day

Contact your counselor for registration information and for additional testing information.

2019 AP Exam Schedule Available by April 2018 at:

http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/ap/cal.html

Q & A ON ADVANCED PLACEMENT

Advanced Placement program is sponsored by the College Board, a non-profit organization dedicated to preparing, inspiring, and connecting students to college. The College Board writes and administers advanced tests and studies in almost 40 subjects from Art to Statistics. These tests, representative of freshman level college knowledge on that subject, form the basis of what we study in Advanced Placement courses. Each May, students take a national test that measures their knowledge in the areas they studied during the year. If the students score high enough, they will receive college credit at over 3,000 institutions nationwide. While the amount and type of credit students receive depends on the college they attend, most will allow the students to skip basic courses and around half will allow them to start as a sophomore if they have passed enough AP classes. Close to 1.5 million students in the US took an AP course last year at one of the 13,000 high schools that offer this option.

Why take an AP course?

Advanced Placement challenges students to perform at a higher academic level, while introducing them to and preparing them for a college education. One advantage of taking an AP course is that it allows the student to experience the rigors of a college level course in the more supportive high school environment. It allows students to remain in the high school setting rather than commuting to a college campus. AP courses can make sure that your senior year is a productive one instead of taking courses that are lacking in challenge. AP courses broaden student’s intellectual horizons. Credits achieved through the AP program will also be cheaper than typical college tuition after graduation. It also provides students with an opportunity to build advanced study skills necessary for success at the 10 college level. AP course allow students to gain the edge and stand out in college preparation and admissions process in the following ways:

 Get a head start on college-level work  Improve writing skills and sharpen problem-solving techniques  Develop the study habits necessary for tackling rigorous course work  Demonstrate to college officials the maturity and readiness for college level course work  Demonstrate your willingness to push yourself to the limit academically  Emphasize your commitment to academic excellence

Finally, it has been shown that students master in-depth content at the college level more easily after completing AP courses in high school. Students also acquire sophisticated academic skills and increased self-confidence in preparation for college. Students who succeed on AP exams may receive college credit while still in high school, saving both time and money. Credit on AP exams can save up to $1,500 in college tuition alone and/or count as credit for one or more courses. However, check with the college that the student is interested in to see if the institution awards credit for AP tests.

What is an appropriate course load?

Course load should be determined on an individual basis as students have unique ability levels, outside commitments, and motivation to stick with a challenging course for a full year (in most cases). Consulting with parents, teachers and counselors can provide the most insight. We want students to be successful in their AP classes. Having a student be successful in one or two AP classes is better then floundering in three or four.

Some things to consider are:

 Previous experience in AP classes  Motivation of the student  Co-curricular activities  GPA's (generally 3.0 or higher)  Non-AP schedule of classes  Faith/volunteer commitments  Work

We recommend that all college bound students consider taking at least one AP course. Advanced students will have the opportunity to take one or two Pre-AP courses their sophomore year. The typical course load for juniors and seniors is one or two courses with three being considered very challenging.

What Pre-AP and AP courses are offered at OHS?

Pre-AP Literature Pre-AP Language AP Calculus AB

AP Language AP Literature AP US History AP Biology

11 What are AP exams and the cost?

AP Program includes courses of study which culminate with a nationally coordinated exam.

 AP Exams are prepared for each course by the College Board of Development Committees.  AP Exams consist of a multiple choice section and a free-response section.  Exams are typically 3 hours in length.  Exam fees are set by the College Board. The fee currently is $94 per exam. A fee of $10 for qualifying low-income students. Also, a $69 fee is available for students that do not qualify for the low-income fee, but who take 2 or more exams.

When are the AP exams?

Student's mastery of course content is tested each May through the College Board Testing Program. Most tests consist of multiple choice questions and various free response essays. Results are released the following July and are mailed to each student, the student’s high school and the college/universities designated on the student’s answer sheet.

Parents should be aware this is a stressful time in their student's academic career. Students may find that commitments outside of school interfere with their ability to prepare for their tests. We suggest that parents and students work together to manage the increased time commitment necessary to be successful on these tests.

Please go to www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/ap/cal/cal2.html for a calendar of the AP testing schedule. A student may want to consider which classes test on the same days and avoid taking those classes the same year, if possible. Although the dates change each year, the same two tests are typically given on the same day.

How are the AP Exams graded?

Each AP Exam grade is a weighted combination of the student’s score on the multiple choice section and on the free response section. They are scored on a scale of 1-5, with scores of 3 and higher considered passing in most institutions.

 5 = extremely well qualified  4 = well qualified  3 = qualified  2 = possibly qualified  1 = no recommendation

Results are released the following July and are mailed to each student, the student’s high school and the college/universities designated on the student’s answer sheet.

How do I enroll in a Pre-AP or AP course?

Once a student has decided to take the AP Challenge, it is easy to enroll. Talk to an AP teacher or counselor (faculty members listed on page 2) about the course(s) to enroll in. Discuss the course’s workload and any preparation necessary to be successful in the AP Program. Turn in a signed contract with your enrollment form and agree to Pay the cost of the test in early March.

12 GLOSSARY

Glossary

ACT Assessment: “The ACT Assessment, or "A-C-T" as it is commonly called, is a national college admission examination. The ACT Assessment® is designed to assess high school students' general educational development and their ability to complete college-level work. The test covers four skill areas: English, mathematics, reading, and scientific reasoning. ACT results are accepted by virtually all U.S. colleges and universities. In the U.S., the ACT is administered on five national test dates, in October, December, February, April, and June.

Advanced Placement Program: The District’s program for advanced and gifted learners at the secondary level. Advanced Placement (AP) “The Advanced Placement program (AP) consists of 32 college-level courses and exams in 19 disciplines for highly motivated students in secondary schools. AP courses enhance students’ confidence and academic achievement. Many colleges and universities grant credit, advanced placement or both, to student who have performed satisfactorily on AP Exams” (www.collegeboard.com/ap).

Advanced Placement Exam: The AP exams are given every year in May. Scores are reported to the colleges designated by the student and range from 1 (no recommendation) to 5 (extremely qualified). Each college determines the scores to be accepted for credit, and most will consider a score of at least 3. Colleges may award three, and sometimes six, hours of credit per test. Students should contact individual colleges to find out about the specific policies for credit, or students may go to the College Board web site (www.collegeboard.com/ap/).

Advanced Courses: Advanced Placement courses in English language arts, Fine arts, Languages other than English, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, dual/college concurrent enrollment classes, Honors and Pre-AP classes are identified as advanced classes.

Gifted and Talented (G/T): Students possessing superior intelligence or demonstrating the potential to perform at a remarkably high level of accomplishments.

Preliminary SAT (PSAT): The Preliminary SAT is the National Merit Scholarship qualifying test co-sponsored by the College Board and National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC).

PSAT/NMSQT: The Preliminary SAT is the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. The PSAT must be taken by students as juniors to enter NMSC’s competition.

SAT: Many colleges require the SAT for admission because it is a standard way of measuring a student’s ability to do college level work.

13 Oologah High School Advanced Placement Handbook AP Contract 2018-2019

Student Agreement I have read the Advanced Placement Handbook requirements (handbook is on the high school website under school news/enrollment) that have been explained in this document. I understand the level of work required and the procedures explained on the previous pages. I am prepared to fulfill these requirements. I agree to organize my time and efforts to successfully complete the course. Due to the increased rigor and challenge of this course, I will notify the teacher, request help, and attend tutorials if I fall behind in class assignments or have difficulty with course content. I understand that my success in this AP course is primarily my responsibility. I also understand that I only have the first 5 days of class in which to make a request to drop the Pre – AP/ AP course.

Student Signature Date

Parent Agreement I have read the Advanced Placement Handbook requirements that have been explained in this document. I understand the level of work required of my son/daughter and the procedures explained on the previous pages. I agree to support and encourage my son/daughter in his/her endeavors in the course to fulfill these requirements and support the teachers and staff within the Advanced Placement program. I will notify the teacher immediately of any concerns I have relating to the AP class or my child’s progress. I also understand that my student has only the first 5 days of class in which to make a request to drop the Pre-AP/AP course.

Parent/Guardian Signature Date

Sign and return your AP Contract with your enrollment form. This form must be signed and returned to be enrolled in an AP or Pre-AP course.

 Exam fees are set by the College Board. The fee currently is $94 per exam. A fee of $10 for qualifying low-income students. Also, a $69 fee is available for students that do not qualify for the low-income fee, but who take 2 or more exams.  By tuning in this signed contract with your enrollment form you agree to pay the cost of the test. Payment will be due in early March of 2019.  Please place an X in the column to the left of the course(s) you are interested in taking.

X Course

Pre – AP English I (9th gr) no cost

Pre – AP English II (10th gr) no cost

AP Biology (11th or 12th gr)

AP Calculus AB (12th gr)

AP English Language (11th gr)

AP English Literature (12th gr)

AP U.S. History (11th gr)