An Introduction to the Program®

LAKEWOOD HIGH SCHOOL- 2020/2021 Welcome

• Lakewood High School is committed to every student’s success.

• We believe access to rigorous coursework such as Advanced Placement® (AP®) plays an important role in that success. What Will We Cover? • School District Honor Roll- 2018

• What are Advanced Placement® Courses?

• The Benefits

• AP Exams

• What Is It Like to Take AP?

• Next Steps: Help Your Child Make the Best Choices

• Introduction of Staff

• Q & A AP District Honor Roll- 2018

The AP District Honor Roll recognizes school districts committed to increasing access to AP for underrepresented students while simultaneously maintaining or increasing the percentage of students earning AP Exam scores of 3 or higher. AP District Honor Roll recipients are committed to expanding the availability of AP courses among prepared and motivated students of all backgrounds. The district has earned this twice in its history! What Are Advanced Placement® Courses? Advanced Placement ®: The Basics

• AP® courses are college-level courses offered in high school

• Courses reflect what is taught in top introductory college courses

• Students take AP Exams at the end of the course, measuring their mastery of college-level work

• A score of 3 or higher on an AP Exam can typically earn student's college credit and/or placement into advanced courses in college 5 Year Trend Data ‘16-’20 5 Year Mean Data ‘16-’20 Our 2020-2021 AP® Courses

• English: English Language and Composition, English Literature and Composition

• History and Social : United States Government and Politics, United States History

• Mathematics and Computer : Calculus AB, Statistics, Computer Science

• Sciences: Biology, AP®: The Benefits AP®: The Benefits

• Students learn rigorous college-level content and skills

• Taking AP is valued in the college admission process

• AP courses are interesting and rewarding academic experiences

• Opportunity to earn valuable credit and possible placement in college AP® from the College Admissions Perspective

• 85% of selective colleges and universities report that a student’s AP experience favorably impacts admission decisions*

• Colleges rank grades in college-preparatory courses and strength of curriculum as the two top factors in the admission decision

• AP courses tell college admission officials that students are challenging themselves and preparing for the rigors they'll encounter in their college careers

• *Unpublished institutional research, Crux Research Inc., March 2007 AP®: Skills & Advantages that Last a Lifetime

• Taking an AP course helps students build critical thinking skills, confidence, and the essential time management and study skills needed for college success

• Nationally, research shows that students who score a 3 or higher on an AP Exam typically earn higher grade point averages in college and have higher graduation rates than their non-AP peers*

• *2009, The , “The Relationship Between AP Exam Performance and College Outcomes" AP® Helps Students Graduate on Time & Save Money

• Students who take AP courses and exams are much more likely to complete a college degree on time.* Graduating in four years represents a significant savings on the cost of college.

• Only 1 in 4 college students completes a bachelor’s degree in 4 years.

• The average cost of college for a single year is $23,410** for in-state schools (tuition, fees, room/board, misc. expenses).

• *College Outcomes Comparisons by AP and Non-AP High School Experiences, The College Board, 2008 **The College Board, Trends in College Pricing 2014, Figure 1 AP® Expands Students’ Options

• When students earn college credit through AP Exams, their options and opportunities expand:

• Move to upper-level college courses sooner • Pursue a double major • Gain time to study and travel abroad AP®: A More Engaging Learning Experience

• AP courses challenge students to work and participate at a higher level:

• Opportunities to explore topics in depth

• More time in and out of the classroom required to complete assignments and projects

• High expectations for critical thinking, analysis, synthesis, evidence, multiple perspectives, and clear written and verbal communications Credit and Placement Opportunities

• Each college and university has its own policies regarding AP® credit and placement. The College Board offers information about AP credit at thousands of college and universities at www.collegeboard.org/apcreditpolicy.

• Search by school name or alphabetically • Data for each school includes a direct link to that school’s Web page detailing AP credit and placement policies • A statement from the college or university about its AP policy AP® Exams AP® Exams

• AP Exams are administered by schools worldwide on set dates in May each year.

• Exams are typically 3 hours long and include: • Multiple-choice questions • Free-response items such as essays, problem solving, document-based questions and oral response • Required to take the class here at Lakewood HS AP® Exam Fees

• The exam fee for 2021 is $95 per exam.

• Assistance is available for eligible students with financial need: • The College Board offers a $32 fee reduction per exam for eligible students with financial need. What is it like to take AP®? Hear From a Professional

Why take AP? AP® Myths & Realities

Myth Reality AP courses are for students who always get good AP courses are for any students who are academically grades. prepared and motivated to take college-level courses.

AP courses are too stressful. It's no secret that AP courses are challenging. But the support you receive from your classmates and teachers can help you manage the workload.

I don't think I will score high enough on the AP You don’t need to score a 5. Many colleges grant credit Exam to get college credit. — and placement as well — based on a 3 or higher on an AP Exam. Taking AP courses could hurt my GPA. LHS AP courses are weighted on a 5.0 scale. Taking AP courses shows colleges that you’re willing to challenge yourself academically.

I can’t take AP because no one has If you think you’re ready to take an AP course, then recommended me. you’re ready to advocate for yourself — just talk to a teacher or counselor. Next Steps: Help Your Child Make the Best Choices AP®: Start the Conversation

• Help your child prepare to talk to a teacher or counselor about AP. Here are some questions to encourage your child to think about:

• What AP course is right for me? • Before you talk to a teacher or counselor, think about what interests you: • Which courses do you enjoy most in school? In which subjects do you excel? • What college majors are you considering? What careers excite you? • Ask your counselor or teacher the following questions: • In which AP courses at our school am I likely to do well? • Are there other courses that can help me succeed in AP or prepare me for college and careers? • What steps do I need to take? • What is our school’s enrollment deadline? Dates for deadlines at the end of this presentation • May I speak with a student who has taken an AP course? • What can I do next to help me prepare for AP? AP®: Resources Worth Exploring for Students and Families

• AP information: apstudent.collegeboard.org

• College and Career Planning: bigfuture.org

• Personalized feedback, practice and college planning based on your PSAT/NMSQT® results: My College QuickStart™ www.collegeboard.org/quickstart

• AP credit policy information from colleges and universities: www.collegeboard.org/apcreditpolicy

• EXPLORE AP https://apstudent.collegeboard.org/exploreap Students & Parents … In Their Own Words

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• An AP teacher talks about her high expectations for her students

• AP Program: Turning Curiosity into a Science

• Karl describes AP classes as a glimpse into what college is like

• The Value of AP for Latino Students (in Spanish)

• Teachers recognize AP student achievements

• AP Program: Creativity Makes A Mark

• AP Program: The impact of AP credit and placement on the college experience AP Staff/ Questions & Answers 2021-2022 AP STAFF AP English Literature and Composition

➔ AP English Literature and Composition is an in-depth study and analysis of fiction, drama, and poetry. ➔ Extensive writing, reading, and discussion are essential for success in this course. ➔ Students will take a national exam at the end of the year. ➔ Who can take AP English Literature and Composition? Any Senior who took AP English Language and Composition or an honors English course (recommended).

I look forward to working with you! AP English Language and Composition

• AP English Language and Composition is an in-depth study of nonfiction and writing. • Students will analyze a variety of essays in conjunction with studying the writing process. • Extensive reading, writing, and discussion are essential for success in this course. • Students will take a national exam at the end of the year. • Who can take AP Language and Composition? Any junior who has taken Honors English (recommended).

I look forward to working with you! AP Calculus A/B

• AP Calculus AB is designed to be the equivalent of a first semester college calculus course devoted to topics in differential and integral calculus. • Students will apply skills and concepts learned in Algebra 2 and Pre-Calculus to real-world problems both graphically and analytically. • Who can take AP Calculus AB? You must have taken and passed a pre-calculus course. • All students will take the AP Calculus AB test in May. • This is a great class!!!! I look forward to working with you. AP Chemistry

Why take AP Who can take AP Chemistry??? Chemistry??? • You are going into a Any junior or Senior college major or who has taken Honors career in a STEM field Chemistry or • You liked your first Chemistry and passed year of chemistry and with a B or higher want to learn and do (recommended: You MORE with it have taken or are • You want challenged taking Algebra II or in math and science higher) AP Chemistry--Helpful Links

Course layout/topics: https://apcentral.collegeboard.org/pdf/ap-chemistry-course-a-glance.pdf?course=ap- chemistry

Skills Learned and Majors/Careers enhanced by taking AP Chemistry: https://apstudents.collegeboard.org/choosing-courses/major-career- results/course/AP-Chemistry

Exam Format: https://apcentral.collegeboard.org/courses/ap-chemistry/exam AP Biology

AP Biology Experience • Challenging, but rewarding class • Content heavy with 25% of the class being lab experiences • Mathematical and statistical skills • Scientific writing is required • Summer assignments will be required and count as a 1st nine weeks grade AP Biology - Helpful Links

• Course Layout/Content Units

• Quantitative Skills

• About the AP Biology Exam

• AP Biology Majors and Careers AP U.S. History

In AP U.S. History, we take on the work of historians. While the work of historians may seem boring or trivial, it plays a vital role in not only how we understand the past, but also how we view the present and look to the future. Students investigate significant events, individuals, developments, and processes in nine historical periods from approximately 1491 to the present. Students develop and use the same skills and methods employed by historians: analyzing primary and secondary sources; developing historical arguments; making historical connections; and utilizing reasoning about comparison, causation, and continuity and change. Upon completion of the course you will gain skills in writing, oral speaking, debate, negotiation, analysis. All of these skills are not only of great importance to historians, but also to being civically engaged and better prepared to enter the workforce.

As you consider the best possible schedule for the next school year, consider the possibility of selecting AP U.S. History. Research demonstrates there are many benefits of AP classes, including a greater likelihood of graduating from college in four years or less. Some of the other many advantages to taking Advanced Placement (AP) courses include: ➔ Even students who do not earn a passing score on an AP exam go on to achieve higher high school grades than their peers whom did not take an AP course in high school. ➔ AP classes are likely to lead to improved performance on the ACT. ➔ AP classes help students gain admission to the colleges of their choice. ➔ Success on an AP exams may qualify for college credit. ➔ Students passing an AP exam score higher grades in college. ➔ Enrollment in AP classes makes college graduation more likely.

“The more you know about the past the better you are prepared for the future.” Theodore Roosevelt AP GOVERNMENT

What To Expect? - In AP Government we look at our American government system. We discuss how it was created; how we connect to it; and how we are different from other governments. - AP Government is good for students who enjoy history and politics. - Like with most AP classes, students are expected to self-motivated. While I will be here to help and guide students success is most often found by those students that have the drive to do well - This class requires out of class reading every week, and in class and out of class writing every week as well. - There are no prerequisites for this class. Also, you can take AP Government even if you have already taken Government.

I look forward to working with any of you who choose to take AP Government! AP Computer Science

Learn to code and make apps!

Whether it’s 3D animation, , music, app development, medicine, visual design, robotics, or political analysis, computer science is the engine that powers the technology, productivity, and innovation that drive the world. Computer science experience has become imperative for students’ success in the workforce of tomorrow.

We designed AP Computer Science Principles with the goal of creating leaders in computer science fields and attracting and engaging those who are traditionally underrepresented with essential computing tools and multidisciplinary opportunities. - from the College Board Testimonials Brochure Portfolio

Sample App Credit Info Contact

Instructor: Mark Vukovic AP and Remote Learning

AP Courses cannot be taken through LVA and will be offered only at LHS AP Contract Important Dates

PTC conferences are Wednesday March 3rd 2021 Mrs. Kieffer and Mr. Sikorski will be available via a Zoom mtg to answers any scheduling questions from 5:00-6:00pm.

AP contracts are due April 1, 2021 to Mr. Sikorski via hand delivery or email at [email protected] Questions?

• Phil Sikorski • AP Coordinator • [email protected] • 740-928-4526