Accelerated and Pre-AP Program Tomball I.S.D. 2012-2013 Dr. Joan Slater Mr. Chris Scott

Advanced Placement Program – Tomball High School College level course content Course and instructor approved by College Board Rigorous academics Four core areas + music theory and art Open to all students who are interested in rigorous coursework Prepare students for the AP exam associated with the course

Pre-advanced/Accelerated Placement Courses offered in all four core areas Built on core academic curriculum Academically advanced Aligned with AP course descriptions generated by College Board

Pre-advanced Placement/Accelerated Courses Developed with a concentration on building student capacity to understand rigorous content Developed to prepare students for Advanced Placement classes at the high school level (Gr. 11 & 12). Developed to prepare students for PSAT and SAT testing More rigorous academic activities included Will appropriately challenge students ELA courses - More mature reading material is included.

Math/Science Students seeking placement in Accelerated math or science will be screened using the following criteria: Stanford 10 Achievement Test for Math and/or Science (4 pt. maximum – administered the week after spring break for grades 6-7 and given the week after STAAR test for 5th grade.) M Star Algebra Readiness Screener (3 pt. maximum) Report Card Grades (2 pt. maximum -cumulative through the 3rd 9-wk period at intermediate and through the 5th 6-wk. period at junior high school) Teacher Recommendation (1 pt. maximum)

Math/Science A student who is interested in enrolling in Accelerated Science must qualify for Accelerated Math. A student who wishes to enroll in Accelerated Math is not required to take Accelerated Science; however, each student is encouraged to take both courses especially if the student’s interests are in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) field.

ELA/Social Studies Students seeking placement in Pre-AP English or Social Studies will be screened using the following criteria: Stanford 10 Achievement Test for Reading and/or Social Science (4 pt. maximum – administered the week after spring break for grades 6-7 and given the week after STAAR test for 5th grade.) Gates Mac Ginitie Reading Assessment (3 pt. maximum) Report Card Grades – (2 pt. maximum -cumulative through the 3rd 9-wk period at intermediate and through the 5th 6-wk. period at junior high school) Teacher Recommendation (1 pt. maximum)

ELA/Social Studies A student who is interested in enrolling in Pre-AP Social Studies must qualify for Pre-AP English. Students who choose to take Pre-AP English are not required to take Pre-AP Social Studies. Students who choose to take Pre-AP Social Studies must enroll in Pre-AP English.

Minimum Placement Score Students must earn a minimum of 8 pts. on the screening in order to qualify for accelerated classes.

Gifted and Talented Students Students already identified as GT in the area for which advanced course placement is sought are exempt from Stanford 10 testing if the Stanford 10 scores on file in that area were recorded within the last two years.

Gifted Education and Pre-AP/Accelerated Classes Gifted education continues at the 6th grade level through 12th grade, but the delivery of services becomes more tied to the content area as the years go on. Gifted students are co-seated with Pre-AP students. The curriculum for Pre-AP is followed in the GT classes, as well. There is no separate GT curriculum for Pre-AP.

Gifted Education and Pre-AP/Accelerated Classes Differentiation for the gifted occurs within the classes. Students are provided time to work together as stated in the state plan for gifted education. Performance Standards Project (PSP) is a product of the GT curriculum at the 6th grade level, and it is embedded in the curriculum.

Choosing the Best Learning Path The ultimate goal for a student’s education is to achieve academic success so that lifelong learning will be desired. Each student has his/her own profile. One path is not better than the other; one will just suit one child better than it will suit another.

Profile of a Successful Pre-AP/Accelerated Student Reflect on this criteria: Professes interest in subject selected Excellent study skills and habits Carefully considers time commitments Asks questions and participates in class Perseveres when faced with challenging material

Pre-AP/Accelerated Student Asks for assistance when needed Plans and works ahead on long term projects Student has a desire to enroll in one or more advanced classes.

Pre-AP/Accelerated Program 7-10th grade placement Students previously enrolled in advanced courses must maintain an overall average of 80 or above to enroll in the next advanced course.

Choosing the Right Path Remember, all of these paths can lead to college. One of these paths will help you learn best and at a pace that fits your style. Be true to yourself and choose the one that fits your best!

Exit Guidelines for Both Programs Intermediate – Students may exit the program at semester only. Junior High/High School – may exit at end of 1st six weeks or at end of first semester for any reason with parent notification. Students with an average of <75 at the end of the first grading period may be exited from the program. Parents will be notified of this change in schedule.

Benefits of Pre-AP/ Accelerated Programs The job market in the United States requires workers to be well-rounded. Companies increasingly value intangible qualities that are hard to put on a resume, like informed intuition, judgment under pressure, ease with clients, and problem-solving abilities. American companies tend to be interested in people who seek additional responsibility, volunteer for tough assignments, and are willing to take risks. Technology skills are expected by employers in all American companies are interested in employees who can “think out of the box” and who are lifelong learners.

Benefits of Pre-AP/Accelerated Programs The Partnership for 21st Century Skills describes the learning skills students need to have for life-long learning: Information and communication skills Thinking and problem-solving skills Interpersonal and self-directional skills

Making Wise Choices Are you a self-motivated, organized, independent worker? Do you need and/or have support with your organizational skills and/or studies on a daily basis? Are you involved in many activities? Is your interest in this course of study sufficient to ensure that you will find adequate time to complete extra work required outside of class without having to give up things you enjoy?

Making Wise Choices: Questions for Students How much sleep per night do you require in order to feel rested and be productive the following day? How well do you handle the rigors of a demanding academic workload? Are you realistic about your performance expectations for yourself?

Choosing the Right Path Remember that intermediate school is not the end point. You may enter Pre-AP and Accelerated classes at either the junior or senior high level. Think about your goals and your classroom performance to date, and then decide which path to follow.

Questions Be sure to contact your counselor with any questions regarding your 6th grade schedule. NIS – Ms. Wheeler TIS - Ms. Frank CFES – Ms. Bush