Mrs. Armstrong, should I take Spanish V or AP next year? (And YES, you should continue studying Spanish—it is one of the most practical skills you can have in today’s world.) Well…

The classes are combined and offered the same period. Some of the activities you will do will be the same, other will be different. AP students will do more preparation for the test, while Spanish V students will do some independent and group work.

If you are interested in continuing to learn Spanish without the expectations of AP, then Spanish V is the right place for you! The class is structured very similar to Spanish IV—I try to keep the homework load manageable because I realize you are taking other AP classes, applying for colleges, etc.

If you really want to challenge yourself and develop your language skills, take AP! By taking AP you:  Have the opportunity to earn additional college credit.  Receive the AP designation on your transcript and weighted grade.  Will be ready for ANY college language course.

Just because it is an AP class DOES NOT mean I assign a ton of additional homework. I try to keep the work load manageable and I don’t “double up” on homework assignments (meaning—you don’t receive Spanish V homework and AP homework in the same night). AP students will have one additional weekly assignment to help with test prep and practice packets (with sample test activities) during Thanksgiving, winter and spring break.

They are also making changes to the test next year that will make it more fair and slightly easier (if you can ever consider an AP test easy). They are good changes that should help students be more successful!

But Mrs. Armstrong, what about independent study? Independent study is only offered for students who have a schedule conflict with the Spanish V/AP class (right now it is only offered one period). You cannot take independent student in lieu of taking the class if it fits in your schedule. Independent study students do very similar work as the class.