South Forsyth High School Expecting Excellence... Advanced Studies Night

Expecting Excellence... South Forsyth High School Tonight’s Agenda Welcome and Introductions Topics Advanced Studies Course Offerings Scheduling and Recommendations Planning for a Students’ Schedule Q & A Goal: Provide information to allow students and parents to make proper decisions to achieve an effective balance in a student’s schedule.

Expecting Excellence... South Forsyth High School South Forsyth High School offers a wide range of Advanced Studies coursework Including: Accelerated and Honors Courses in Math, Science, English/Language Arts, Social Studies Advanced Placement Courses (29) International Baccalaureate Programs (2) and Courses (18) Offer AP & IB Exams for potential college credit

Expecting Excellence... South Forsyth High School Scheduling Teacher recommendations, student selections, and waiver requests drive the development of the Master Schedule at South Forsyth Scheduling Process includes… Teacher Recommendations Student Course Selection Required and Elective Courses Draft Schedule and Waiver Requests Final Master Schedule (Student/Staff/Facilities)

Expecting Excellence... South Forsyth High School Recommendations Teachers make recommendations for student course placement based on… Evidence of current performance in course Reading and Writing Ability, Grades, etc. Pre-requisite skills/courses taken Potential for student success in their subject Student desire to pursue subject, growth potential

Expecting Excellence... South Forsyth High School Choices in Pathway AP IB Diploma IB Career Certificate Careers College Prep 9th 10th 11th 12th Individual Offerings All Subject Areas 2 Subjects + Career Path + CORE Pieces of any offerings Three Courses in Path over 4 yrs 9th 10th 11th 12th

Expecting Excellence... South Forsyth High School Why Colleges Like AP and IB Programs Rigorous common curriculum throughout the nation/world equivalent to introductory college-level classes. Standardized assessments at the end of the course, measuring student mastery of college- level work. Continuing education, professional development institutes and seminars for teachers.

Expecting Excellence... South Forsyth High School Why SFHS offers AP and IB Programs To better prepare students for the rigors of college work. To improve the depth and breadth of the curriculum offered in core and elective courses. To keep students engaged, motivated and challenged.

Expecting Excellence... South Forsyth High School Why students take AP or IB More interesting and rewarding academic experiences. Viewed favorably in college and scholarship applications. May provide credit for introductory level work and allow students to move in earlier to upper-level courses in their field of study in college or to pursue a double-major while in college.

Expecting Excellence... South Forsyth High School What Counts in College Admissions Student’s grades in college prep classes Strength of curriculum Admission Test Scores Overall GPA Admissions essays 2011 NACAC Survey College Admissions Officials

Expecting Excellence... South Forsyth High School What Counts in College Admissions

Expecting Excellence... South Forsyth High School AP & IB impact on College Readiness IB Visual Graph Here The 2011 study of IB students’ experiences after high school found that IB students graduated from college at higher rates, with 81% of IB students graduating within 6 years of enrolling full-time at a 4-year institution, compared to the national average of 57%. Source: College Board (2008) Students who take AP® courses and exams are much more likely than their peers to complete a bachelor’s degree in four years or less.

Expecting Excellence... South Forsyth High School AP or IB, that is the question… High rigor Quality point adjustment to GPA College level coursework/ curriculum Potential college credit College recognition of challenge Classes stand alone Externally assessed Grading scale is a “passing” score Large selection of classes Can pick and choose subjects to take by preference Interdisciplinary Internally and externally assessed Grading scale is a “passing” score Specific curriculum requirements across the disciplines Develops whole student (CAS, EE, TOK)

Expecting Excellence... South Forsyth High School Planning a Student’s Schedule Factors to consider when you make registration decisions for a student’s schedule. Course Expectations and Workload Including Total Schedule Impact Extracurricular (School) Activities Sports, Clubs/Organizations Family/Social Considerations Work? Friends? Downtime? Church and Community Obligations Volunteerism and other involvements?

Expecting Excellence... South Forsyth High School Sample Student Week’s Schedule

Expecting Excellence... South Forsyth High School Recommendations for Students Do a Self Evaluation/High School Plan – Take an honest look at your work habits, goals, plans, activities, available time – Talk with counselors and teachers to see what they think about your level of preparedness Talk with other students who are currently in Accel/Honors/AP Courses to see what they think Have a discussion with your parents about your academic goals and plans Take Ownership of your Academic Careers! Check out Collegeboard.com and ibo.org for college information and other resources for IB & AP Courses

Expecting Excellence... South Forsyth High School Recommendations for Parents Do an honest assessment of your student – Are they motivated? How do they handle stress and pressure? Is their first instinct to give up when things get difficult? – Are they able to read difficult, academic subject material? Do they enjoy their coursework? – Are they organized? Can they get work done for themselves? Can they plan ahead or is everything done at the last minute? – Are you ready to work with them throughout the year? Will you be able to support them through these courses? Remember, these are HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS!

Expecting Excellence... South Forsyth High School Q & A Session If you have questions about tonight’s presentation, please feel free to ask now! For questions that are specific to your student, feel free to follow up with your child’s teachers and or counselor for additional information. For other general program questions, please feel free to contact us using the information on your handout!

Expecting Excellence... South Forsyth High School Contact Information Laura Wilson, AP Advanced Studies Ext: Maggie Gustavus, AP Coordinator Ext: Kevin Denney, IB Coordinator Ext:

Expecting Excellence... South Forsyth High School Contact Information Tracy Verrigni, AP Ext: Jamie Brown, Head Counselor Ext: