Advanced Academics Parent information meeting

What is Advanced Academics? Mission: White Settlement ISD offers an advanced and challenging curriculum through an array of learning experiences that provide greater depth and complexity than found in the district’s core curriculum. Program Elements: Pre-Advanced Placement courses Advanced Placement courses Dual Credit courses Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) Program Advanced Career and Technology courses Project Lead the Way College Entrance Exam Preparation Credit by Exam administration

What is Pre-Advanced Placement? Pre-AP is based on these premises: All students can perform well at rigorous academic levels We can prepare every student for higher intellectual engagement by starting the development of skills and acquisition of knowledge as early as possible Thinking skills are aligned to AP thinking skills to help prepare a pathway for advanced academics options in subsequent courses Grades are weighted differently than on-level courses for class ranking purposes

WSISD Mathematics Options Grade 6 6th Grade Math 6th Grade STAAR Grade 7 7th Grade Math 7th Grade STAAR Grade 8 8th Grade Pre-Algebra 8th Grade STAAR Grade 9 Algebra 1 Algebra 1 EOC Grade 10 Geometry Grade 11 Algebra 2 Grade 12 PAP Pre-Calculus, Algebraic Reasoning or Advanced Quantitative Analysis, DC College Algebra and Trigonometry Grade 6 PAP 6th Grade Math 6th Grade STAAR Grade 7 PAP 7th Grade Math 8th Grade STAAR Grade 8 Algebra 1 Algebra 1 EOC Grade 9 Geometry or PAP Geometry Grade 10 Algebra 2 or PAP Algebra 2 Grade 11 PAP Pre-Calculus, AP Statistics, or DC College Algebra and DC Trigonometry Grade 12 AP Calculus, DC College Algebra or DC Trigonometry

Pre-Advanced Placement Offerings PAP 6th ELA Springboard Curriculum Must pass STAAR in 5th Grade At least a 70 in 5th Grade ELA Passing score to remain in the class PAP 6th Math 6th Grade TEKS and ½ 7th Grade TEKS Must pass STAAR in 5th Grade At least a 70 in 5th Grade Math Passing score to remain in the class

Pre-Advanced Placement Offerings PAP 7th ELA Springboard Curriculum Enrollment guidelines currently being discussed PAP 7th Math ½ 7th Grade TEKS All 8th Grade TEKS Enrollment guidelines currently being discussed PAP 7th Writing Springboard Curriculum Enrollment guidelines currently being discussed PAP 7th Science Enrollment guidelines currently being discussed PAP 7th Social Studies Enrollment guidelines currently being discussed

Pre-Advanced Placement Contract Choose which Pre-AP course or both 1st time below a 70 - Probation 2nd time below a 70 – Removal from Pre-AP class A letter will be sent home for a parent signature. A student can only be on probation one time during the school year. Contract requires both the student and parent signatures

Pre-Advanced Placement Common Questions Must a student take Pre-AP courses in order to be prepared for college? No, it is not required. Academic courses in WSISD offer appropriate instruction to prepare students for college or university work. Many WSISD students without Pre-AP and AP coursework successfully enroll in college and complete higher educations. In addition, many students find educational enrichment through the Career and Technology programs and endorsements offered at BHS. 2. What does open enrollment mean? Open enrollment refers to courses open to any student who wishes to take on the additional challenge of this rigorous curriculum. This statement is based on the profound belief that all students can perform at rigorous academic levels. The second premise upon which Pre-AP is based is the belief that we can prepare every student for higher intellectual engagement by starting the development of skills and acquisition of knowledge as early as possible. However, please take note of the Pre-AP course requirements and expectations listed on the Pre-AP commitment form. If Pre-AP classes are full, students will be selected based off criteria set by the school.

Pre-Advanced Placement Common Questions 3. Are there any special qualifications for taking a Pre-AP course? White Settlement ISD offers open enrollment for Pre-AP courses. Any student with the guidance of parent, teacher and counselor can enroll for a Pre-AP course. However, it is strongly encouraged for parents and students to adhere to the Pre-AP guidelines and criteria. In addition to those guidelines, parents should take into consideration the following personal characteristics of a Pre-AP student: A high interest level in the subject area Ability to work well with others Persistence in pursuing goals and a strong sense of responsibility Good time management and the ability to balance outside activities. Self motivated, organized, and the ability to become an independent learner A desire to be academically successful and exhibits excellent study skills Proficient oral and written communication skills

Pre-Advanced Placement Common Questions 4. How many Pre-AP courses should a student take? Students are encouraged to take Pre-AP courses that are appropriate to their interests and academic strengths. The number of Pre-AP courses also varies with students’ motivation, self-discipline, and available time outside of school. Students are not expected to enroll in all Pre-AP courses and it is highly recommended to start with one or two courses and increase or decrease based on individual needs. 5. May students with disabilities enroll in Pre-AP? Yes. ARD committee decisions regarding modifications or accommodations as well as 504 accommodations are permissible, but shall not change expectations or course content.

College Entrance Exams Grade 7 Grade 8 Grade 9 SAT or ACT: Identified DUKE TIP students Voluntary; Students pay to participate PSAT 8/9: Voluntary; Students pay to participate PSAT 8/9: Voluntary; Students pay to participate

College Entrance Exams Grade 10 Grade 11 Grade 12 SAT and /or ACT: Voluntary; Students pay to participate TSI: Students who are not exempt and are interested in Dual Credit classes Or plan to attend a Texas Public College or University PSAT: Voluntary; Students pay to participate PSAT: Voluntary; Students pay to participate SAT and /or ACT: Voluntary; Students pay to participate TSI: Students who are not exempt and are interested in Dual Credit classes Or plan to attend a Texas Public College or University

Contact Information Lea Duncan Dean, College and Career Readiness 817-367-4116 lduncan@wsisd.net