2.  Students have an opportunity to make choices in middle school that are new and exciting and like nothing they have experienced before…

3. Early Grades Grades K-2 Identified Gifted and Talented Pull Out Enrichment opportunities that focus on emerging needs of student and talent development Upper Elementary Grades Grades 3-5 Identified Gifted and Talented Pull Out Enrichment opportunities that focus on developing skills to become independent thinker, problem solver, and producer by area of strength Middle Grades Grades 6-8 Identified GT and High Achieving Students self select courses of rigor in areas of strength to begin preparation for advanced curriculum. Students begin the Pre-Advanced Placement pathway. High School Grades 9-12 Identified GT and High Achieving Students self select courses of rigor in areas of strength to prepare for college credit and high academic achievement. Student begin and complete the Pre- Advanced Placement and Advanced Placement/Dual Credit pathway. Advanced Academic Program Overview K-12

4. Pre Advanced Placement (Pre-AP) courses are designed to challenge and stimulate students to the highest level of their ability. These classes should:  Prepare for challenge  Require more time  Move quickly  Connect to complex issues  Excite the student! BISD wants you in Pre AP – and to succeed!

5.  Students may select as many Pre AP classes as they wish, but should remember that these classes are by definition more complex—in reading, thinking, and producing  Parents and students should use student data to make the determination if Pre AP is the correct path: ◦ STAAR ◦ Grades in classes ◦ Homework practices ◦ Student willingness to

6. BISD allows students to self select into Pre AP courses—this is called “Open Access”. Every student that chooses a rigorous path should be encouraged to do so.

7.  Demonstrate successful completion of previous course taken in the subject area (i.e. 80% or higher as semester averages)  Achieved advanced measure on STAAR the previous year  Commit to the extra time necessary for class preparation: increased outside reading, sophisticated writing assignments, and projects or labs with complex problem solving (including attending tutorials as needed).  Seek teacher and/or counselor advisement on registering for class  Maintain a passing grade

8. “The strongest predictor of college graduation is something students do before they ever go to college: Participate in rigorous, college- level courses in high school— and AP courses in particular. Pre AP Prepares a student for success in Advanced Placement classes in high school and beyond. Choices you make now help you prepare for choices in high school and beyond.

9.  Entering Pre AP Math has requirements  Pre AP Math Sequence :  6 th Pre AP Math moves at a different pace and covers topics in a more complex manner  7 th Pre AP Math is a COMPACTED course that COMBINES 7 th and 8 th grade math  8 th is Algebra  The #1 predictor of success in Algebra is a strong foundation in 8 th grade math!!!

10. STAAR is Important STAAR gives students, parents and educators an indication of academic achievement STAAR can be an indication of readiness for the next course or it can indicate there are gaps in foundational skills and knowledge

11.  Teacher’s know motivation comes from many places—and they know students must be willing to become motivated for success.  Make Homework a priority in the household  Communicate and create positive relationships with teachers so that conflict between home and school is non existent  NO ZEROS  Tutorials are for everyone!

12. “ As a 6 th grader, I have enjoyed the challenge, but I did make some B grades, but I am very proud of those B’s!!!” “If you get behind, it is very hard.” “I know my teacher wants me to succeed. They are here all the time for me. They push me to do my best always, but they also don’t expect me to do it alone. They do expect me to take responsibility for my learning and to ask questions. They do expect me to apply myself and to complete work assigned.” Student's Words of Wisdom…

13.  “I was nervous about my student entering into Pre-AP math and the first six weeks was very difficult. My child made a C for the first time in ever. But we made a plan and attended tutorials and now it is much better. I realized what matters is they give their best.”  “My student was strong in ELA, so we only selected one Pre AP course so that he could get the foundation needed for high levels of success in other areas.”  “I want my student to have the foundation. We had to make the right choices so that 6 th grade could be a success. We used past grades, STAAR scores, and personal reflection to decide.”  “I learned to expect my student’s best. It might be an A, it might be a C—as long as there were no zeros, I knew it was a good measure of where they stood in the class.”

14. 5 th and 6 th grade teachers want your 6 th grade year to be exciting, challenging, and rewarding!! We are excited you are going to middle school!!!