1. WELCOME!! AP Language and Composition Instructor: Diane Stubbs

2. ABOUT THE TEACHER In 17 th year teaching In 17 th year teaching Bachelors in English Bachelors in English Concentration in Journalism Concentration in Journalism Masters in Secondary Education Masters in Secondary Education Highly qualified teacher Highly qualified teacher Stubbs Stubbs

3. ABOUT COMMUNICATION GOALS Goal #1 = Bi-weekly updated grades Goal #1 = Bi-weekly updated grades Because of alternating A/B schedule Because of alternating A/B schedule Goal #2 = Weekly maintenance of Polytech website Goal #2 = Weekly maintenance of Polytech website

4. ABOUT AP LANGUAGE & COMPOSITION Main Components: Main Components: Development of writing skills in 3 main areas Development of writing skills in 3 main areas Rhetorical Analysis, Argument and Synthesis Rhetorical Analysis, Argument and Synthesis Development of critical reading skills Development of critical reading skills Analysis of author’s purpose and its impact on reader Analysis of author’s purpose and its impact on reader

5. ABOUT AP LANGUAGE & COMPOSITION In addition to academic focus, foster: In addition to academic focus, foster: Development of more independent learning Development of more independent learning Ownership not only of own learning skills but of own motivation level Ownership not only of own learning skills but of own motivation level Self advocation skills Self advocation skills

6. AP LANGUAGE & COMPOSITION EXAM Not a requirement for the course Not a requirement for the course Approximately $86.00 Approximately $86.00 Financial help available for those in need Financial help available for those in need Encourage all who take course to take test Encourage all who take course to take test Possible college credit if earn a 3 or better on the test Possible college credit if earn a 3 or better on the test Test Date = May 13, 2014 Test Date = May 13, 2014 During 2 nd week of AP testing During 2 nd week of AP testing

7. COMMON CONCERN FOR PARENTS & STUDENTS Grades at beginning of the course Grades at beginning of the course Shock because grades are much lower than usual Shock because grades are much lower than usual Be assured that: Be assured that: Students in AP Lang are expected to have a certain level of skill Students in AP Lang are expected to have a certain level of skill This level for a regular HS English class may be quite high This level for a regular HS English class may be quite high But, for college level, improvement is a must But, for college level, improvement is a must

8. MY PROMISE College level work College level work Built in support Built in support Students WILL improve. Students WILL improve. Learn and practice all year. Learn and practice all year. It is possible to earn an A in this class. It is possible to earn an A in this class. Be patient Be patient