1. Advanced Academics Pre-AP 6th Grade
HEB ISD
May 22, 2017

2. Why 6th Pre-AP Classes? Middle School vs. Junior High
Advanced sixth graders need to begin acquiring high-level analysis and synthesis skills.

3. Rigorous Instruction Means…
Rigor in HEB ISD means consistently demonstrating mastery of content by using higher-order critical thinking and problem solving to apply concepts in new ways and integrate them to relevant situations.

4. Relevance to the real world
Inquiry-based instruction leading to creation of innovative ideas
Generalization of learning to new situations
Opportunities to effectively collaborate and communicate
Responsibility to reflect critically on learning experiences and encompass various points of view

5. Curriculum – 1st Semester Language Arts
Artful Reading and Writing through Close Reading of Where the Red Fern Grows
Literary Devices: The Link to Meaning in Poetry and Prose
The Structure of Literature and the Art of Persuasion

6. Curriculum – 2nd Semester Language Arts
Word Play and The Prince and the Pauper
The Power of Language in Multiple Genres
The Power of Stories: Classics and New Classics

7. Components of the Course
Read, write, think like a secondary student
Vocabulary—Greek and Latin Roots
Core Knowledge Reading Selections
Literary Classics
Independent Research Project
Technology Application

8. Summer Reading All advanced English courses require summer reading.
Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls is the 6th Pre-AP selection.
Students need to take notes as they read and bring them to class in August. See the 6th grade Summer Reading Assignment for more information.

9. Encourage students to read at least 20 minutes daily
Go to for more information.

10. Mathematics Curriculum
The difference between on-level and Pre-AP mathematics in 6th grade focuses on fluency and application.
In other words, you will see….

11. 1st Semester Mathematics
Operations with positive rational numbers
Operations with integers
Proportions and percent
Multiple representations and algebraic expressions
In other words, you will see….

12. 2nd Semester Mathematics
Equations and inequalities
Algebraic representations of geometry
Statistical measures and displays
Personal financial literacy
In other words, you will see….

13. Components of the Pre-AP Math Program
Advanced Content (real-world applications and AP Connections such as Limits, Optimization, etc. )…with support!
Limits example – approaching one in pattern. n/n+1 converges to limit of 1
Optimization – maximum and minimum, largest area for given amount of fencing rectangular pen .5
.66
.75

14. Components of the Pre-AP Math Program
Connections between verbal, algebraic, numerical, graphical, and physical representations.
Limits example – approaching one in pattern.
Optimization – maximum and minimum, largest area for given amount of fencing rectangular pen

15. Components of the Pre-AP Math Program
Reasoning skills, justification, and evaluation
Algebraic thinking and functional relationships
Logan graphs the points A (-2, 3), B (2, 3), C (6, -2), D (0, -2), and E (-3, -2). He draws line segments to connect the points in the order they are written. He decides that the figure formed is a trapezoid. Is he correct in his thinking?
F Yes, the figure is a trapezoid because it has four right angles.
G No, the figure is a pentagon because five points are named.
H Yes, the figure is a trapezoid because two sides are parallel.
J Yes, the figure is a trapezoid because it has two pairs of parallel sides.
Limits example – approaching one in pattern.
Optimization – maximum and minimum, largest area for given amount of fencing rectangular pen

16. What does a Pre-AP Math Classroom look like?
Topics covered in a Pre-AP program are similar to those found in an on-level math sequence. What differs is…
the level of sophistication of responses required
the global connections beyond what is found in the traditional textbook
the acceleration and rigor of content
integration of content across math strands
One-page tips sheet/resources

17. Services to Identified Gifted Sixth Graders
Teachers are trained in nature and needs of the gifted.
Curriculum contains opportunities for depth, choices, creativity, and open-ended products.

18. Secondary Advanced Academics
Grades 7-10 – Pre-AP/IB classes
Students in 6th Pre-AP/IB will NOT be automatically admitted into the Pre- AP/IB 7th grade ELA and/or math classes.

19. Secondary Advanced Academics
In order to advance to Pre-AP/IB 7th grade ELA and math, students in 6th Pre-AP/IB must meet criteria including:
85 average in reading and English and/or math.
Required score for STAAR test in related subject
110 aptitude score on CogAT

20. Secondary Advanced Academics
Identified GT students should be automatically scheduled into the Pre- AP/IB/GT English class in 7th grade. If your GT child is not scheduled into GT 7th grade English, please call your junior high counselor.

21. AP/IB
Students in Pre-AP/IB classes in grades will be prepared to either take Advanced Placement courses or to enter the International Baccalaureate program in grades 11 and 12.

22. Grades 11 and 12
ELECTIVE opportunities available for advanced students:
Advanced Placement (AP)
International Baccalaureate (IB)

23. Advanced Placement College-level content Recognized nationally
Twenty+ advanced, college-level courses offered in our district
AP Human Geography in 9th; AP World History in 10th
Students may choose which AP courses to take in 11th & 12th grades.

24. Advanced Placement
One test is given at the end of the AP course to earn the AP score. Scores are 1-5, with 3 being a passing score.
Most colleges award some college credit for high scores on the AP tests.

25. International Baccalaureate
College-level content
Recognized internationally
Students apply to the IB program during 10th grade year.

26. IB Diploma Internal and external exams required for six subjects
Scores range from 1-7; 4 is passing.
Service hours and extended research are also required.

27. Texas Senate Bill 111
Any student who graduates with an IB Diploma and exam scores of 4 or above will receive 24 hours of credit at any Texas public university.

28. Both AP and IB… offer college-level pacing and complexity.
are taught together in some cases.
require commitment on the part of the student.

29. Both AP and IB… earn college credit at most universities.
prepare students for the rigor of college work.
require that students learn to manage their time and cope with adversity.

30. What can you do to help?
Attend all parent information sessions for advanced academics. We have discovered that your child does not always bring home important information!

31. Allow your child to be responsible for his/her own learning.
Encourage your child to work hard and not give up when things get tough.
Stay in touch with your child’s teachers.

32. Prepare your advanced student for:
more rigorous coursework
fast-paced classes
more student responsibility
more reading (even in summer)
more writing
more problem-solving
more algebraic thinking

33. In advanced courses “success” in the class does not necessarily equate to an A in the course.
If your child is being appropriately challenged, he or she will probably struggle. It is often through struggle that real learning takes place.

34. If your child needs extra help,
Do not hesitate to ask teachers for extra help.
Free National Honor Society tutors:
Bell High School library: Monday and Thursday, 4:00-5:00 and 6:30 – 8:30 P.M.
Trinity High School library: Mondays, 4:00-7:00 P.M.

35. Future Opportunities
Duke Talent Search – SAT test as practice in 7th grade if qualified; will be notified by campus counselor.
Secondary informational meetings continue for parents of Advanced Academics 6th graders. This meeting is generally in February. Parents will be notified by mail.

36. Upcoming Opportunities
Rising Stars Gifted Summer Academy – July and July 31-August 3, This is a morning camp (8:00-noon) for rising 6th, 7th, and 8th graders who are identified GT students. $125 until June 1!
Application on HEB website under Summer

38. Cheryl Harris – Advanced Academics
Carolyn Wright – Language Arts
Pamela Vaughan– Math
Central Administration: