Advanced Academics

Sara Veinbergs, Advanced Academics CoordinatorDrew Hamlin, Assistant Principal over Advanced AcademicsJanuary 11, 2016

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A D VA N C E D A C A D E M I C S C U R R I C U L U M P R E S E N TAT I O N

What are Advanced Academic Programs?

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Rigorous academic studies

Open access to all students

Academic exploration and knowledge beyond the standard course of study

Require dedication of time and individual effort beyond the school day

College preparatory (Honors) and college-level (AP) courses

Visit http://www.fcps.edu/is/aap/index.shtml

The Basics

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A D VA N C E D A C A D E M I C S C U R R I C U L U M P R E S E N TAT I O N

Honors Courses

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Honors courses are college preparatory courses offered to either prepare students for AP Courses or where a comparable AP course does not exist.

Students who do well in Honors courses have a foundation for doing well in AP and college courses.

A D VA N C E D A C A D E M I C S C U R R I C U L U M P R E S E N TAT I O N

Advanced Placement (AP)

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Advanced Placement Program® (AP®) courses are college-level courses offered in high school. AP courses reflect what is taught in top introductory college courses

At the end of course, students take AP Exams—standardized exams that measure how well students have mastered college-level course work. (Some also have an SOL.)

The Benefits of Participating in

Advanced Academics Programs

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One of the most significant factors leading to success in college is the rigor of the high school curriculum.

Advanced academic courses expand a student’s ability to read, write, and think critically; analyze and solve problems; and build 21st century skills.

Honors and AP courses can bolster a HS transcript and improve college acceptance.

Honors courses have a 0.5 and AP courses have a 1.0 (with completion of class and exam) weighted grades which add to a student’s GPA. Many colleges grant credit for courses in which students earn a qualifying score on AP examinations.

What to Expect from Advanced Placement

(AP)

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Advanced Placement courses typically demand more of students than on-level or honors courses.

Classes tend to be faster-paced and cover more content material .

More time required, both inside and outside of the classroom.

A strong expectation for students to think critically, analyze and synthesize facts and data, weigh competing perspectives, and write clearly and persuasively.

Supports

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West Potomac’s Strong CT Culture: Working collaboratively, teachers can structure common activities, interventions, and instruction based on analysis of assessments.

Advanced Academics Mentoring Program: Underclassmen students in advanced courses are invited to be mentored by upperclassmen with experiences in taking similar courses, providing advice on time management and study skills.

First Quarter Skills Workshops: Students have the opportunity to work with Advanced Academics and AVID teachers on essential skills in an effort to start the school

year off on the right foot. WICOR Strategies: WICOR strategies stem

from AVID philosophy and are becoming a mainstay of West

Potomac instructional culture

A D VA N C E D A C A D E M I C S C U R R I C U L U M P R E S E N TAT I O N

Most Important Support

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You! (Parents/Guardians)Advanced Academics is for the PREPARED not

the ELITE

Rigor ≠ More work…BALANCE is key

Play to strengths and interest areas when selecting courses

Additional Information

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A D VA N C E D A C A D E M I C S C U R R I C U L U M P R E S E N TAT I O N

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All registration materials are located on the WPHS website through the Student Services office http://www.fcps.edu/WestPotomacHS/studentservices/studentservices.html

Further information on Advanced Academic Programs can be found on the FCPS website http://www.fcps.edu/is/aap/index.shtml