Alcott College Prep Open House November 1 st, 2014 Jade Sipic – Instructional Coach

Overview of 4 year curriculum at Alcott College Prep DeptFreshmanSophomoreJuniorSenior EnglishEnglish IEnglish II AP English Language AP English Literature Math Algebra (Double Period) GeometryAlgebra II Precalculus or AP Statistics ScienceBiologyChemistryPhysicsAP Biology Social ScienceWorld StudiesUS HistoryCivicsAP Psychology Phys EdPE I/HealthPE II/Drivers EdJunior LeadershipSenior Leadership Fine Arts Art I General Music Mixed Media Beginning Chorus AP Studio Art World Language French I Spanish I French II Spanish II ElectivesACT Prep College Knowledge AP CapstoneAP SeminarAP Research

What is AP Capstone? AP Capstone is built on the foundation of a new, two- course high school sequence—AP® Seminar and AP Research Designed to complement and enhance the in-depth discipline-specific study provided through AP courses Cultivates curious, independent, and collaborative scholars and prepares them to make logical and evidence-based decisions Designed to equip students with the independent research, collaborative teamwork, and communication skills that are increasingly valued by colleges

AP Capstone - Combining Scholarly Practice with Academic Intensity AP Capstone was developed in response to feedback from higher education. The two AP Capstone courses complement the rigor of AP courses and exams by challenging students to: Think critically and creatively to construct meaning or gain understanding Plan and conduct a study or investigation Propose solutions to real-world problems Plan and produce communication in various forms Collaborate to solve a problem Integrate, synthesize, and make cross-curricular connections

Student Benefits of AP Capstone Fosters the critical and creative thinking, argumentation, and research skills at the core of college readiness and essential for lifelong learning Provides a setting to build on the knowledge and rigorous course work of AP in an interdisciplinary format Offers a unique opportunity to distinguish oneself to colleges and universities

AP vs IB Advanced Placement International Baccalaureate Flexible – can choose which courses and which AP exams to take Actual College Content – Gage how well your are prepared for post-secondary GPA – On a 6 point scale rather than a 4 point More successful in Chicago Public Schools Rigid – must follow set course sequence and exam schedule to obtain diploma Accelerated High School Content – Same content as most regular HS classes GPA – On a 5 point scale rather than a 4 point Newer – few students taking exams

EPAS – Growth for Every Student EPAS = Educational and Planning Assessment System Explore = Freshmen Plan = Sophomores ACT = Juniors Work on attainment, but focus on individual growth

EPAS – Growth for Every Student Our students grow, on average, more than a point a year Our students experience 2 POINTS growth between Plan and ACT Practice exams – 3 per year with growth goal-setting activities after each one ACT Prep class junior year On-site ACT Prep class for juniors after school and on Saturday