The PreAP Program: An Overview

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The Pre-AP ProgramAn Overview

• Advanced Placement Preparation
• in Middle School
• 2007-2008

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Your Presenters This Evening

• Mr. Steve Jacoby
• Principal, Bentonville High School
• Mrs. Marilyn Gilchrist
• Principal, Old High Middle School
• Dr. Janet McDonald
• Principal, Spring Hill Middle School
• Mrs. Dena Egger
• Principal, Ruth Barker Middle School

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• What is available in
  academics for our incoming
• 6th graders?

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• 6th grade students in the Bentonville School
  District have the opportunity to request Pre-AP
  courses in Language Arts, Social Studies, Science
  and Mathematics.
• The Gifted and Talented Program (TREC) is in
  place for grades K-5.
• Pre-AP classes are offered
  beginning in 6th grade.

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Goal of Pre-AP Courses

• The goal of Pre-AP courses is to give
  motivated students an opportunity to experience a
  more rigorous curriculum that will prepare them
  for success in advanced coursework in junior
  high. This leads to better preparation for
  college-level coursework taken in high school.

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Is Pre-AP just another way to say more homework?

• No! While students may occasionally experience a
  greater homework load, the emphasis is not on
  covering more material but rather on delving
  deeper into the subject matter. The teaching
  strategies in Pre-AP classes will include
  activities covering higher level thinking skills.

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The Pre-AP Curricula for these Courses are

• Built on the core academic curriculum
• Academically advanced
• Aligned with AP course descriptions generated by
  College Board
• Developed with a concentration on building
  student capacity to understand rigorous content

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Math is a bit unique

• Differences in curriculum do exist between
  standard math classes and Pre-AP math classes.
• 6th grade Pre-AP math is a preparatory course for
  7th grade Pre-AP mathwhich is a pre-requisite
  course for 8th grade Algebra 1.
• It does become much more difficult for a student
  to qualify for 7th grade Pre-AP math if he or she
  does not take 6th grade Pre-AP math.

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How Do We Decide Who Will Be Placed in Pre-AP
Classes?

• Decisions about placement for Pre-AP classes
  will be based on a number of criteria. The
  following guidelines will be considered in the
  placement process

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Guidelines for Placement

• Successful completion of coursework in 5th grade
  with an A/B average in the subject matter being
  considered
• Scores in the 85th percentile or above on the
  most recent ITBS standardized test
• A score of Proficient or Advanced on the most
  recent Benchmark Exam
• Teacher recommendation

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• A Successful Pre-AP Candidate.
• Has a genuine interest in the subject being
  considered
• Demonstrates excellent study skills and habits
• Carefully considers time commitments
• Asks questions and participates in class
• Perseveres when faced with challenging material
• Asks for assistance when needed
• Plans and works ahead on long term projects

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Further Considerations

• We encourage students to request Pre-AP courses
  appropriate to their interests and academic
  strengths.
• When making a decision about how many of these
  classes to request, please ask yourself the
  following questions

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• Is your child a self-motivated, organized,
  independent worker?
• Does your child need and/or have support with
  organizational and study skills on a daily basis?

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• How well does your child handle the rigors of a
  demanding academic workload?
• Are they realistic about performance expectations
  for themselves?

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Making Wise Choices

• Is your child involved in many activities?
• Is his/her interest in this field consistent and
  significant?
• Will your child be able to complete any
  outside-of-class work assignments without having
  to give up other activities he/she truly enjoys?

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• How much sleep per night does your child require
  in order to feel rested and be productive the
  following day?
• The key is to find the right balance for your
  child when requesting Pre-AP classeskeeping
  him/her challenged but not overwhelmed.

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• Parents are key to helping us better understand
  where that balance might be for an individual
  student. We can provide you with information
  regarding the program, but it is up to you and
  your child to decide how many and which classes
  your child will request.
• Your childs input is essential.

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• Questions?
• Thank you for attending!