Why AP?

1. Lovejoy ISD Why AP? Kathryn Pabst: Advanced Academics Coordinator Kathryn_Pabst@lovejoyisd.net 469-742-8032

2. LHS in May, 2013 1,300+ AP tests for 530 LHS students

3. Benefits of Rigor A 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.

4. Advanced Placement Program • College-level courses taught in a high school setting • National/International program with 34 courses and examinations offered in 19 subject areas • Most are junior and senior level courses • Standards or learning goals are aligned to the corresponding college level course • Score results are normed beyond a district, region, state, and country • Some AP courses have pre-requisites that need to be met before enrolling

5. AP Exams • Approximately 3 hours in length • Two sections: • Multiple Choice (about 60 - 75 questions) • Free Response (essays and/or problems) • Scored on a scale of 1 to 5 • Scores of 3, 4, and 5 usually considered to be equivalent to college scores of C, B, and A

6. Lovejoy AP Philosophy All students who intend to be college bound should take at least one AP course before graduating. All students who enroll in an AP course are required to take the AP exam. This ensures alignment of instruction and assessment - a best educational practice. This is an inclusive model. Not all districts require all AP students to take the AP exam. AP data from other district's may only include students who were encouraged to sit for the exam. Comparing Lovejoy AP exam data to other districts may not be an equal comparison. Gifted and Talented sections are offered in multiple AP core content courses. GPA weighting is offered for all AP courses to encourage students to challenge themselves without gradepoint performance anxiety.

7. Learning Benefits of AP • 2007 UT Austin Study • Students who have passed AP tests (scored 3 or better) do better than peers who have not taken AP courses or peers who have done dual enrollment while in high school. • Even students who score at 2 on an AP test perform better than peers who have not taken AP courses or peers who have done dual enrollment while in high school. • Taking the end-of-course AP Exam sends a powerful message to colleges and universities that a student is ready for them, and can enable students to gain admission, college credit, and placement into advanced courses.

8. THE 2013 AP SCHOLARS AWARDS Four Year Trend • AP SCHOLAR • Scores of 3 or higher on 3 or more AP exams • 35 students in 2010, 42 in 2011, 72 in 2012 • 92 students in 2013 • AP SCHOLAR WITH HONORS • Scores of 3 or higher on 4 or more AP exams • Average score of 3.25 • 10 students in 2010, 18 in 2011, 23 in 2012 • 41 students in 2013 • AP SCHOLAR WITH DISTINCTION • Scores of 3 or higher on 5 or more AP exams • Average score of 3.5 • 14 students in 2010, 26 in 2011, 37 in 2012 • 33 students in 2013 • NATIONAL AP SCHOLAR • Scores of 4 or higher on 8 or more AP exams • Average grade of 4 or higher • 2 students in 2010, 5 in 2011, 12 in 2012 • 14 students in 2013

9. Total AP Students 2013 - 2014

10. AP Math Participation

11. Junior class 2012 – 2013 Quartile Analysis

12. Senior class 2012 – 2013 Quartile Analysis

13. Mean (average) Scores by Course 2012 - 2013

14. AP and College Success™ Benefits 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.

15. Economic Benefits • Class of 2012 • $1,056,780 potential tuition savings • Class of 2013 • $1,839,204 potential tuition savings • Costs calculated using following averages: • In State Public: $1,000.00 • Out of State Public: $2,000.00 • Private: $4,000.00 • In District Community College: $100.00 • Out of District Community College: $300.00

16. Personal Benefits of AP Courses AP courses can be challenging, but it’s work that pays off. • AP courses are often the most interesting and fulfilling courses a student takes in high school. • Students develop confidence, and learn the study habits and time management skills essential for success in college.

17. Stand out in the college admissions process “One of the best standard predictors of academic success at Harvard is performance on Advanced Placement Examinations.” —William R. FitzsimmonsDean of Admissions, Harvard University “AP Exams affirm the rigor of a student’s course work. Though admissions policies vary, if I were a student, I wouldn’t assume that the college of my dreams didn’t care about AP Exams in the admissions process.” —Bruce Walker, Director of Admissions University of Texas at Austin

18. AP and College Success A recent study* showed that students who earned a 3, 4, or 5 on the AP Exam had higher first-year college grade point averages and were more likely to return for the second year of college than non-AP students of similar ability. *Krista Mattern, Emily Shaw, and Xinhui Xiong, “The Relationship Between AP Exam Performance and College Outcomes” (2009), The College Board.

19. Why should I take an AP Course and Exam even if I’m not looking to earn credit or placement? • Critical Thinking • Reason Effectively • Use Systems Thinking • Make Judgments and Decisions • Solve Problems • Creativity and Innovation • Think Creatively • Work Creatively/Collaboratively • Implement Innovations • Apply Learning to the World Investigate Critical Issues/Concepts • Discover Solutions • Communicate Effectively – writing • Cross-Disciplinary Thinking • Access and Evaluate Information • Learning how to “learn” and study independently is necessary for college readiness • Develop time management strategies • Experience college-level content • Be a step ahead – graduate with confidence

20. What Are AP Courses Like? AP courses typically demand more of students • Classes tend to be fast-paced and cover more material with depth • Students are challenged to learn both collaboratively and individually • More time, inside and outside of the classroom, is required for optimal learning • Teachers expect their students to think critically, analyze and synthesize facts and data, weigh competing perspectives, and write clearly and persuasively.

21. LISD 2014 – 2015 27 AP Courses Art History Biology Calculus AB Calculus BC Chemistry Computer Science (A) English Lang. & Comp. English Lit. & Comp. Environmental Science European History French Language Human Geography Macroeconomics Music Theory Physics 1 Physics 2 Physics C Psychology Spanish Language Spanish Literature Statistics Studio Art: Design Drawing Studio Art: 2-D Design Photography Studio Art: 3-D Design U.S. History World History U.S. Government

22. How to choose which AP course(s) are right for you? Ask yourself these questions… • What am I really interested in learning? • What questions intrigue me that I want to explore? • What content areas are my strengths? • How can I best prepare for success in my college major? • What teachers or courses do I want to take advantage of before leaving LHS?