1. Introduction to AP Psychology Mr. Debes

2. About AP Psychology The Advanced Placement test for AP Psychology: Monday, May 1, 2017 Students will have the opportunity to gain as much as 3 college credits (credits vary depending on the college/university that you attend AND the score you earn on your AP exam). This AP Psychology course is College Board Certified and audited. As a college-level course, it is very demanding and highly paced. You will be responsible for completing all reading assignments, on your own time (including all textbook readings AND any outside articles/books), outside the classroom. Each unit will include, at minimum: a reading guide for each module, vocabulary quiz, and a Unit TEST that will mirror the AP Test model. In addition, units may include outside articles in Psychology, classroom investigation into experiments, techniques, & design, and other activities.

3. About the AP Test for Psychology 70-minute 100 multiple-choice section & 50-minute 2 free-response section Multiple-choice scores are based on the number of questions answered correctly. Points are not deducted for incorrect answers, & no points are awarded for unanswered questions. Free-response questions are an appropriate tool for evaluating a student’s mastery of scientific research principles & ability to make connections among constructs from different psychological domains (e.g., development, personality, learning). Students may be asked to analyze a general problem in psychology (e.g., depression, adaptation) using concepts from different theoretical frameworks or subdomains in the field, or to design, analyze, or critique a research study.

4. About the AP Psych Unit Tests 17-minute 25 multiple-choice section & 25-minute 1 free-response section The AP Test has 100 MC questions in 70 minutes=1.43 questions/minute; 25 questions in 17 minutes=1.47 questions/minute, & 25 minutes is the recommended amount of time you should spend on each FRQ The minimum needed to earn college credits is a “3,” which equals a 53% score (79/150=53%)

5. About the AP Psych Unit Tests It is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED that you take the AP Psychology Exam. I cannot, however, make it mandatory. That being said, you will have a cumulative exam for this course (as is typical of most college courses). The AP Exam will count as your cumulative assessment for those of you who take it. For those of you who choose not to take the AP Exam, there will be a final exam given in class on 5/1/17, 5/2/17 & 5/3/17 that will mirror the AP Exam. (100 MC questions, 2 FRQs; you will be given 33 minutes each day to complete the Final)

6. AP Psychology Commitment: It is worth it! 70% of the nation’s high school graduates attempt college. Yet fewer than 30% of adult Americans hold a college degree! Why is that? Most colleges and universities agree that it is because students are not prepared for the academic challenge of college coursework. There is only one way to prepare for the rigors of a college education: students need to take challenge courses in high school. The statistics tell quite a story. High school students who have taken at least two Advanced Placement classes double their chances of graduating from college, according to the College Board! “The students that do the work, will experience the learning.” It is just that simple. Hard work and dedication will pay off in the end.

7. Simple classroom rules for success 1. Be Prompt. The expectation is that student will be in class and ready to learn when the bell rings. 2. Be Prepared. Being prepared means that students have their materials, have read their text, and are coming to class with questions about what they do not understand. 3. Be Polite. All students will treat everyone in the classroom as they wish to be treated themselves - with respect. There will likely be times when we discuss topics where a classmate or Mr. Debes will have a thought, opinion, or viewpoint that you disagree with; it is important that we respect each others’ different perspectives.

8. Simple classroom rules for success

9. Procedures - Electronic Devices: There is never a time when you can take out your cell phone and use it, unless I have expressly given you permission (which probably won’t happen). You are NOT allowed to EVER have your backpack/purse on the desktop, nor do I want to see you standing a book up to “read.” EVER. No “glowing backpacks”, “glowing purses,” “crotch texting,” or textbooks being stood up on your desk” (no one reads like that). You CHOSE to take this class, presumably because you want to learn about Psychology and/or earn college credit. Save it for later.

10. Student Responsibilities: AP Psychology is equivalent, and in some cases more than, an introductory psychology course that you would take at the undergraduate university level. Main responsibilities for this course include: ★ Completing assigned readings from your text and other resources ★ Memorizing vocabulary and relevant terms for each chapter ★ Preparing and studying for quizzes & tests ★ Participating actively in class discussions ★ Taking notes & being engaged ★ Asking questions when needed