Swift Creek Middle School Bridge to AP

Research of College Graduation Rates Show 33% of students who attend college attain a Bachelor’s degree 59% of students who take at least 1 AP course attain a Bachelor’s degree (regardless of whether they passed the AP exam or not) 76% of students who take 2 or more AP courses attain a Bachelor’s degree (regardless of whether they passed the AP exam or not) [Answers in the Tool Box: Academic Intensity, Attendance Patterns, and Bachelor's Degree Attainment (1999), Federal Department of Education]

What Counts in College Admissions National Association of College Admissions % citing importance

The Program Pre-AP strategies are used to strengthen and align the curriculum across grade levels, and to increase the academic challenge for all students A rigorous Pre-AP will equip a student with the tools to transition into a high school AP program and realize success immediately in those courses. The main advantage of taking a Pre-AP/AP course is better preparation for college. It has been shown that students master in-depth content at the college level more easily after completing Pre-AP/AP courses in school. Students also acquire sophisticated academic skills and increased self-confidence in preparation for college.

Why AP? Research shows AP offers an answer to the aspects contained in our core beliefs Students are capable and will meet high expectations Students are unique thus there must be flexibility in the curriculum to meet the needs Quality teaching is #1 99% of our students feed into Tallahassee Lincoln as 9th graders

Program Intent: The Swift Creek Bridge to AP Program is the only one of its kind in Leon County. rigor in courses for students opportunities for higher level courses a seamless transition to a Advanced Placement Program at the high school level

Pre IB or Bridge Advanced International Baccalaureate Placement Aligned with AP course descriptions generated by College Board. Developed with a concentration on building student capacity to understand rigorous content Students individual needs and strengths are considered. Students can be assigned all four core AP classes and exceptions for individual strengths will be considered. Students have the opportunity to earn up to 6 high school credits in the following areas: Algebra I, Geometry, Earth Space Science, Biology I, Spanish I and II. Accommodations can also be made for Virtual School. International Baccalaureate Curriculum designed and implemented based upon an international standard. Academic courses are assigned in all four academic areas. Three high school credit foreign languages (Spanish/French/Chinese)are offered at level I & II. Students have an opportunity to earn up to 7 high school credits. Other high school credits that are offered are: Algebra I, Geometry, Physical Science, Journalism I & II.

Admissions The Bridge to AP Program is open to rising 6th graders zoned for Swift Creek who meet the admission criteria. Test Scores FCAT level 4 and above in Reading and Math Work Habits All E’s or S’s in work habits during 5th grade Grades A 3.0 average in the four core areas during 5th grade Sixth Grade Math Prognosis Score (Cut Score TBD) Teacher Recommendation

The Admission Process? We are currently in the process of preparing for the 2013-14 school year. The following has already taken place: 4th grade test scores have been analyzed Invitations to the January 29th Parent Night have been sent Shadowing applications are being received In the next few months: After the 3rd nine weeks -Report cards will be analyzed April -Initial acceptance selections will be made 5th grade test scores will be reviewed June- Final acceptance letters will be sent

Once Admitted a Student Must: maintain an acceptable disciplinary record for all classes maintain a 3.0 “B” Average in core classes. If a student’s average falls below a cumulative 3.0 he/she will be on contract for the following semester. If the GPA is not raised above a cumulative 3.0 in the semester of the contract, he/she will be removed from the program.

A Successful Bridge Student Has a genuine interest in academic excellence Demonstrates excellent study skills and habits Carefully considers time commitments Asks questions and participates in class Perseveres when faced with challenging material Asks for assistance when needed Plans and works ahead on long term projects

Making Wise Choices Parents Is your child a self-motivated, organized, independent worker? Does your child need and/or have support with organizational and study skills on a daily basis? How well does your child handle the rigors of a demanding academic workload? Are they realistic about performance expectations for themselves? Is your child involved in many activities? Is his/her interest in this field consistent and significant? Will your child be able to complete any outside-of-class work assignments without having to give up other activities he/she truly enjoys?

Making Wise Choices Parents The key is to find the right balance for your child when requesting Pre-AP classes…keeping him/her “challenged” but not “overwhelmed”. Parents are key to helping us better understand where that balance might be for an individual student. We can provide you with information regarding the program, but it is up to you and your child to decide whether or not you wish to participate in the rigorous Bridge to AP Curriculum. Your child’s input is essential.

6th 7th 8th Social Studies English Math Science Electives Language Arts 1 Advanced Math Advanced Life Science Advanced World Cultures Advanced Required Creative Writing/ Computers Choice of Band Chorus PE/Art Language Arts 2 Advanced Pre-Algebra or Algebra 1 Honors-H.S. credit Physical Science Advanced or Earth/Space Science Honors H.S. Credit Civics Spanish I Band, Chorus, Art, Drama, Computer Applications, Yearbook Required PE Language Arts 3 Advanced Algebra 1 Honors-H.S credit Geometry Honors-H.S Credit Earth/Space Honors H.S. Credit or Biology 1 Honors H.S. Credit American History And Careers Advanced Spanish I & II, Band, Chorus, Teen Challenges, Drama, Art, Yearbook, Computer Applications 6th 7th 8th