Northern Burlington County Regional High School Honors and Advanced Placement (AP) Course Planning Night December 5, 2012 Celebrating 50 years of Inspiration and Excellence
Tonight s Program Welcome and Introductions Dr. Sarruda, Superintendent Vision & Strategic Plan Dr. McCormick, Asst. Superintendent Our Programs & Successes Mr. Wigley, HS Principal Why Enroll in Honors and AP courses? Mr. Coleman, Honors/AP Dept. Leader & Social Studies Teacher Responsibility & Commitment Mr. LaGrou, Director of Instruction 7:45 pm 9:00 pm Honors and AP Fair Meet and ask questions of Honors and AP Teachers Counselors
Vision & Strategic Plan College Preparedness versus Readiness District s Strategic Plan Middle States Accreditation for Growth (AFG) Profile of a Graduate Academic Objective: Multiple and diverse pathways to post secondary options College Development of Northern s Programs
Ensure that each Northern student is enrolled in the most rigorous academic schedule in which he/she can be successful. Our Goal
Honors Courses English - I,II,III and IV Math - Geometry, Algebra II, Pre-Calculus Science Biology, Chemistry Social Studies World History US I (pending board approval) US II (pending board approval) Gifted and Talented Classes
AP Courses English Math Science Social Studies Miscellaneous AP English Language and Composition AP English Literature and Composition AP Calculus AB AP Biology AP US History I AP Calculus BC AP Chemistry AP US History II AP Computer Science A AP Music Theory AP Statistics AP Physics B AP Psychology AP Studio Art 2 d Design AP Physics C AP Politics and Government (P B A) AP Spanish Language AP Spanish Literature
2012 AP Program Results May 2012 91 students took 155 AP tests in 16 subjects 84% - scored 3 or higher 24 students earned AP Scholar awards
Honors vs AP at Northern Honors courses More challenging Locally designed Increased rigor Weighted +7 points to GPA AP courses - Most challenging Curriculum approved by College Board Equivalent to entry level college course National end of course exam each May May earn college credits or advanced placement in college Weighted + 7 points to GPA classes of 2013-2015 + 10 points to GPA class of 2016
The Advanced Placement Exams Not required but expected Registration and fees February Tests - May Scored on scale of 1-5 3 is considered college level performance and passing. Colleges set policies for credit Many will only give credit for scores of 4 or 5.
Why take on the challenge of Honors and AP Courses? Impact on Students Learn more and enjoy school Develop advanced academic skills Increase confidence
Impact on College Admission Grades in college preparatory courses, strength of curriculum, admission test scores, and grades in all courses are the most important factors in the college admission decision. THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR COLLEGE ADMISSION COUNSELING 2009 Strength of a student s curriculum is of considerable importance to 82% of the highly selective colleges while only 65% of the least selective colleges view this as considerably important. 85% of selective colleges and universities report that a student s AP experience favorably impacts admission decisions.
Impact on College Success and Experience AP students who placed into advanced college courses do as well or better than students who have taken introductory courses at the same college. Students who perform well on AP tests have more flexibility in college scheduling allowing for study abroad and other opportunities while still finishing in college in four years
Impact on Cost of College Most students take 5 or 6 years, and sometimes even longer, to earn their bachelor s degrees at public colleges and universities A 2008 study found that AP students had better four-year graduation rates than those who did not take AP. For example, [four-year] graduation rates for AP English Literature students were 62 percent higher than graduation rates for those who took other English courses in high school.
Registering for AP and Honors involves commitment and responsibilities Requesting AP/Honors - Please review the Program of Studies, available on the NBC website in January for requirements and prerequisites. Summer Assignments More Time and Effort is required. Course Appeal and Level Changes are subject to guidelines described in the Program of Studies.
Important Dates Date January 1 January 10 February 1 Event Program of studies available PTSC Hosts Guidance Counselors Presentation on the course selection process High School Scheduling Process begins SATs January 26, Marc h 9, May 4, June 1 ACTs February 9, April 13, June 9 AP Testing May 6 May 17