Just like their parents, our expectations are high for our students. We owe them the most rigorous curriculum possible in order to open doors. The Job Market has Changed. College Admissions have become more competitive. The Global and National Economy is making it even more evident that the more education one has, the higher their income will be. By 2020, 75% of jobs will require a Post-Secondary Degree. There is no do-over for high school. The high school years are crucial to opening all doors for life. What did you want to be your Freshmen year of high school?

The percent of a school’s students who take and pass AP exams is the best AP-related indicator of whether the school is preparing increasing percentages of its students to graduate from college. A student taking and passing an AP exam has a 37% better chance of graduating from college. A student taking an AP class and not passing an AP exam has a 23% better chance of graduating from college.

Average grades of matched AP and non-AP students’ performance in intermediate-level STEM coursework in college Research shows that participation in high-quality curricula, measured by external assessments like the AP Exam, significantly boosts the likelihood of students’ future success in college.

AP students develop skills that increase their likelihood of earning a college degree Source: Chrys Dougherty, Lynn Mellor and Shuling Jian “The Relationship Between Advanced Placement and College Graduation,” (2005), National Center for Educational Accountability. 5 | February 9, 2011 | The 7th Annual AP Report to the Nation Student DemographicAP Exam Score of 3 or Higher African American28% higher graduation rate Hispanic28% higher White33% higher Low Income26% higher Not Low Income34% higher

American students who participate in AP Calculus, even those who “fail” the AP Exam, demonstrated higher achievement in the TIMSS study than any other participating nation’s students 6

Benefit$ Dual Enrollment (CSU-Pueblo/ CU-Denver) – Seniors potentially graduate w/ up to 30 credits AP/ Dual Enrollment Structure Q: Why is my kid in AP English and CSU-P English?!?! A: Private Schools may take only AP Credit Public Schools take both. 30 Credits earned at FFCHS equate to one year of college. One year of college room and board equates to approximately $22,000. Students working at Taco Bell to “Save for College” won’t save $22,000. School pays better than Taco Bell.

School and Home….

School Advanced classes are incorporating work days for students to perform and ask questions in class. Incorporating the “Flipping of a classroom” philosophy Before school and after school tutoring. Stress management support group Advanced class teacher committee Interdisciplinary communication

Home.  Designate an area in the home specifically for homework that is: a)Well lit, and full of school supplies, pencil sharpeners, etc. b)Away from all screens and other techno-distractions and in full view! Keep their phone. Keep their laptop, until they are ready for it, and then ask them why they need it!  Encourage frequent breaks. Studying 45 minutes out of 60 minutes is the rule of thumb. Have a designated “break spot” away from homework  Sit with your child at the table. Read. Pay bills.

What Can You Do to Support (cont)  Goal set with your child. Post goals around the house!  Encourage them to take a career interest survey and then investigate with your child steps necessary to pursue their interest (which will change at least once!). Get answers for them from their counselor.  Have study groups over to the house. Make cookies.  Don’t believe everything you hear! Communicate with teachers.  ‘Part’ time jobs should require no more than 12 hours per week. (A strong ACT, Dual Enrollment and GPA will pay better, anyway)  Start with the hardest homework. Get it done!  Focus on the child’s role in the home as that of “Learner” rather than dishwasher, babysitter, lawnmower…

Thank You for Coming!