Albany High School Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate Programs

Opportunity and Variety Tremendous number of choices at AHS: 60% of US High Schools offer AP (8 courses avg) AHS offers 16 AP courses As many or more than any school in the Capital District!

The AP Program at AHS Very established program at AHS –Social Sciences 5 –Mathematics 3 –Foreign Language 3 –Science 3 –Music 1 –English 1 Open enrollment policy Possible to graduate with upwards of 60 college credits

Excellence and Preparation Commitment to excellence is at the center of both the AP and IB Programs Courses are challenging and rigorous - exactly the nature of courses they will face in college.

Excellence Ap/IB prepare students succeed in college: Answers in the Tool Box, a recent U.S. Department of Education study, reports that participation in AP/IB is one of the strongest predictors of college success.

Results in Scores AP/IB students did much better on Regents Exams than other members of their cohort. Ex) Global Regents Exam AHS European History AP Students Average Score = 92 AHS School-Wide Average Score = 66 Over 70% of AHS AP students exams score a 3 or better (3 is passing)

IB at a glance

About IBO Established in late 1960's International Schools for students abroad Guaranteed high quality education regardless of location Now internationally recognized as a symbol of academic excellence

What makes DP special 1?

What makes DP special 2?

IB at AHS is our 1st graduation year will usher in the 3 rd IB cohort AHS is one of the few schools in NYS to offer this prestigious program.

Choice Choosing IB and AP may limit choices in electives. MUSIC IS IN !! Career programs such as the Explorations Program will not fit in the schedule for IB but may with select AP courses.

Group 6 The Arts  Music SL  Visual Arts SL 1  Visual Arts HL 1,2 Group 1 Language A1:  English HL 1,2 Group 5 Mathematics and Computer Sciences  Math Studies SL 1,2  Mathematics SL 1  Math HL 1,2 Group 4 Experimental Sciences  Biology HL 1,2 Chemistry SL 1 Design Tech SL 1 Physics SL 1 Group 3 Individuals and Societies  Psychology SL 1  Economics SL 1  HOA/20 th Cent HL 1,2 European Studies SL 1 ITGS SL 1 Group 2 Second Language:  French B SL 1,2  Latin B SL 1,2  Spanish B SL 1,2  Chinese a.i SL 1,2  TOK 1,2  CAS  Extended Essay IBO Diploma Curricula

Closing the Gap Reading level is the greatest predictor of success in High School: Many students enter the AP/IB Programs as 2’s or low 3’s in reading. –(as measured by the 8 th Grade New York State ELA Exam) Vast majority become 4’s by 11th grade! –(as measured by the NYS English Regents Exam)

College Credit Most college programs accept AP and or IB credits for college advancement. Here’s a small sampling of university policies:  Alfred University - one year’s credit (30 semester hours) for an IB Diploma  Binghamton University “...recognizes students who earn IB diplomas as having accomplished the most challenging comprehensive curriculum available. Students in the Diploma Program may receive up to 32 credit hours”

College Credit  Union College – An IB Diploma with 30 or more points, including at least three higher level grades of 5, 6, or 7, are eligible for sophomore standing.  Fewer than 30 points, or preparing single exams, earn up to two Union College courses for each higher level examination score of 5 or better.  Credits for Advanced Placement exam scores of 4 or 5 will gain the student academic credit for.

College Credit  RPI - Credits granted to entering freshmen earning a score of 4 or 5 on the AP exam.

Online College Credit Policies Literally hundreds of colleges who give college credit for AP/IB courses

Highest Quality Instruction Over 80 teachers trained in IB and AP High Quality Professional Development –Supports Teachers in teaching your sons and daughters at the highest academic level. “Spill over effect” on other courses

Cost and Equity Cost is a potential obstacle: Each AP costs $83 IB Diploma, (with the five AP Exams the students will take), can cost as much as $1100.

Cost and Equity Our goal: – “to have every student at AHS take at least one college credit bearing course before he/she graduates from high school.” - Thomas McGurn AHS Subscribes to AP/IB scholarship programs Through Grants and Fundraising: –“ we hope to create a situation where cost is never the reason a student cannot participate in the IB Diploma Programme.” - Thomas McGurn

IB Parents Group Begun by the Parents in the Pilot Year Help to supports the program and keep themselves informed on key issues: –Student progress and concerns –District Issues (policies, PR, finance issues) –Student Community Service –Fundraising + Corporate and Community Sponsorship –Recruitment Please stop by the Parents’ table for more info.

Open Enrollment Any student motivated to do the work necessary to be successful in AP/IB classes is encouraged to enroll. Having Doubts? – Tutoring Available Contact your Guidance Counselor Immediately if interested.

Information Additional information concerning the AP/IB at Albany High School, please contact: Tom McGurn ext. 970 Or your child’s Guidance Counselor

Questions?