1. An Introduction to AP, Pre-AP and Vertical Teams
The AP Mindset:
An Introduction to AP, Pre-AP and Vertical Teams

3. ADVANCED PLACEMENT IT’S A PROGRAM! IT’S NOT JUST A TEST
IT’S NOT JUST A COURSE
IT’S A PROGRAM!

4. The Advanced Placement Program
“Our mission to prepare, inspire, and connect students to college and opportunity, with equity and excellence, is clear.”
Gaston Caperton
President, College Board
January 2000

5. What Is…
Equity?
Excellence?

6. Benefits of the AP Program for Students
Gain the Edge in College Preparation
Get a head start on college-level work.
Improve your writing skills and sharpen your problem-solving techniques.
Develop the study habits necessary for tackling rigorous course work.
Stand Out in the College Admissions Process
Demonstrate your maturity and readiness for college.
Show your willingness to push yourself to the limit.
Emphasize your commitment to academic excellence.
Broaden Your Intellectual Horizons
Explore the world from a variety of perspectives, most importantly your own.
Study subjects in greater depth and detail.
Assume the responsibility of reasoning, analyzing, and understanding for yourself.

7. AP Effect on Students Students who complete AP courses are:
better prepared academically
more likely to choose challenging majors
likely to complete more college-level work
likely to perform significantly better than students who did not take AP courses
more likely to exercise leadership
more likely to graduate with a double major
twice as likely to go into advanced study
Willingham & Morris, 1986; UT Study 1988

8. What Counts in College Admissions

9. Advanced Placement Examinations
AP Examinations are composed of multiple-choice sections and free-response questions (with the exception of Studio Art)
Free-response questions are scored by college professors and experienced AP teachers at June readings
Examination scores range from 1 to 5

10. Advanced Placement Examinations
5-- Extremely Well Qualified
4-- Well Qualified
3-- Qualified
2-- Possibly Qualified
1-- No Recommendation

11. Who Receives AP Exam Scores?
AP Grade Reports are sent in July to students, high schools, and colleges designated by individual students.
High school teachers and principals receive a special AP Grade Report online for all classes in which five or more students completed the AP Examination.

12. Pre-AP Initiative Pre-AP is a set of content-specific strategies to:
build rigorous curricula
promote access to AP for all students (EQUITY)
introduce skills, concepts, and assessment methods to prepare students for success when they take AP and other challenging courses

13. What are AP Vertical Teams?
AP vertical teams are groups of educators from different grade levels in a given discipline who work cooperatively to develop and implement a vertically aligned program aimed at helping students acquire the skills necessary for success in the Advanced Placement Program.

14. AP Vertical Teams

15. AP® U.S. Government and Politics 2008-2014

16. AP Program: A Summary The AP Program provides the goals.
An AP Vertical Team provides a vehicle to achieve the goals.
Together they promote educational excellence for all students.

17. College Board Information
Course Descriptions
Teachers Guides
Free-Response Guides/Released Exams
Student Guides
Teleconferences
Internet

18. The College Board The Southwestern Region
Arkansas / New Mexico / Oklahoma / Texas
Southwestern Regional Office
The College Board 4330 Gaines Ranch Loop, Ste. 200 Austin, Texas Phone: (866) FAX: (512)