1. It’s more than an exam… It’s an experience
Advanced Placement
It’s more than an exam…
It’s an experience
Barren County High School

2. BCHS Advanced Placement Growth
Number of AP
Classes offered 6 11
Seats (enrollment) 62
425
Percentage of AP
Qualifying Scores
3 or higher
28%
34%

3. Why Advanced Placement?

4. According to the US Department of Education the strongest predicator of college graduation is participation in rigorous college level courses while in high school Advanced Placement courses
Source: US Department of Education, 1999

5. AP and College Success™
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.
Source: Camara, Wayne (2003). College Persistence, Graduation, and Remediation. College Board Research Notes (RN-19). New York, NY: College Board.
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.
Source: Camara, Wayne. (2003). College Persistence, Graduation, and Remediation. College Board Research Notes (RN-19). New York, NY: College Board.

6. Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education reports that in 2008, 38
Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education reports that in 2008, 38.2% of Kentucky high school graduates were not “college ready” in one or more subjects
Source: Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education, 2010

7. ACT reports that
many students are lacking skills to succeed in credit-bearing first-year college courses and in workforce training programs
Source: ACT College and Career Readiness Report

8. Factors influencing admissions decisions
6.4% Work/Extracurricular
8.2% Community Service
10.8% Interview
16.3% Teacher Rec
17.4% Counselor Rec
20.3% Essays
30.5% Class Rank
44.8% GPA
51.7% Test Scores
80.4% AP courses/rigor
of schedule
NACAC Admission Trends Survey, 2001
Source: NACAC Admissions Trends Survey, 2001

9. Changing our Expectations
Educating our students, parents, educators, and community

10. Students
Created a college going culture – earning college credits while in high school
Paid for all of our students to take the AP exams
T-shirts, pictures, newspaper ads, review sessions, practice tests, motivational speakers
Stressed “experience” more than the exam – considered a score of 2 a “win”
Offered more classes from their suggestions
Changed the name of honors courses to “Pre-AP”
Individual consultation – college credit/Advanced placement
Placement into math and English classes
Support, support, support

11. Parents
Parent orientation meetings, special invitations, free give a-ways
Provided data supporting the need to take accelerated classes
Individual consultation
Saving money – college credit for free, KEES supplements, Advanced Kentucky rewards, increased scholarship potential
Stressed the “experience”
Study skills, time management, adversity, college level exams, college level research, college level writing

12. Educators
College Board training – strategies, content, syllabi, networking, trickle down effect, Pre-AP teachers
Support from District level administrators
Advance Kentucky Member
Professional Development
Review sessions, materials, food
Monetary rewards for students and teachers

13. Community Involvement
AP Night
Middle College Night
Celebrating successes
Newspaper articles
Recognition of students
Educating about the benefits

14. Support Systems

15. English/Reading Specialist Math Specialist Experienced AP students
AP Teachers
Guidance Counselors
English/Reading Specialist
Math Specialist
Experienced AP students
s, newsletters, articles
Maximizing the schedule
Elective time, class selection, alternative schedules

16. Our Results

17. Students gaining college experience, credit, confidence
Students taking ownership of their course requests/seeking more AP courses
AP courses offered to freshmen
Non-AP students receiving AP-like instruction
AP philosophy reaching middle school and elementary students
Increased recognition for our school and students
Creation of Barren County Early College Magnet High School

18. Discussion Questions

19. 1. Describe some barriers to your current Advanced Placement program What information presented today is helpful in addressing those barriers? 3. Identify current individuals and resources who can provide a system of support for students, parents, and teachers.

20. Amy.Allen@Barren.Kyschools.us Barren.Kyschools.com
Questions/Comments
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