1. An Introduction to the Advanced Placement Program®
James F. Byrnes Freshman Academy and James F. Byrnes High School

2. Welcome!
Spartanburg School District Five is committed to every student’s success. We believe access to rigorous course work such as Advanced Placement® (AP®) plays an important role in that success.
Presenter Notes:
Some of you may be familiar with our program and for many of you this will be new information. Our program continues to grow and evolve, so we hope you’ll find this information helpful.
This is your meeting so as we go through the information, please jot down your questions and I’ll stop periodically to answer them.

3. Our AP® Courses
English: English Language and Composition, English Literature and Composition
Mathematics: Calculus A B, Calculus B C, Statistics
Sciences: Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Physics 1: Algebra-based, Physics 2: Algebra-based
History/Social Sciences: Human Geography (at BFA/9th gr), Macroeconomics, Psychology, United States Government and Politics, United States History, World History
World Languages: Spanish Literature and Culture
Arts: Studio Art: Drawing Portfolio, Studio Art: 2-D Design Portfolio
Presenter will highlight courses in each content area

4. INFO YOU NEED: What are Advanced Placement courses? The Benefits of AP
What's it REALLY like to take AP? Student and Teacher Perspective(s)
Taking AP Exams
Next Steps
Presenter reviews agenda with attendees, makes sure everyone can see the screen, hear, etc.
Presenter asks for questions prior to launching the next part of the presentation.

5. What are Advanced Placement® courses?

6. Advanced Placement ®: The Basics
AP® courses are college-level courses offered in high school.
Courses reflect what is taught in top introductory college courses.
Students take AP Exams at the end of the course, measuring their mastery of college-level work.
A score of 3 or higher on an AP Exam can typically earn students college credit and/or placement into advanced courses in college.
Presenter can add to this information with the following points:
Advanced Placement® is a program developed and overseen by the College Board, the not-for-profit organization that is responsible for the PSAT/NMSQT®, SAT®, and other programs and services in college readiness and college success that help more than seven million students each year prepare for a successful transition to college.

7. Courses at BFA and BHS
English Language English Literature Calculus AB/BC* Statistics* Biology Chemistry Physics 1*, 2* Environmental Science* US History Government* Macroeconomics* Human Geography World History Psychology* Spanish Language Art 2-D, Drawing

8. AP®: The Benefits

9. AP®: The Benefits
Students learn rigorous college-level content and skills.
Taking AP is valued in the college admission process.
AP courses are interesting and rewarding academic experiences.
Opportunity to earn valuable credit and placement in college.

10. THE AP ADVANTAGE
AP courses are often the most interesting and fulfilling courses a student takes in high school.
AP teachers are among the most prepared, dedicated, and inspiring teachers at their schools.
Students develop confidence, and learn the study habits and time management skills essential for success in college.

11. AP® from the College Admissions Perspective
85% of selective colleges and universities report that a student’s AP experience favorably impacts admission decisions.*
Colleges rank grades and strength of curriculum as the two top factors in the admission decision.
AP courses tell college admission officials that students are challenging themselves and preparing for the rigors they'll encounter in their college careers.
*Unpublished institutional research, Crux Research Inc., March 2007
Presenters are encouraged to include the AP® policies and statements of their own local and state universities where applicable to reinforce the importance of AP classes in the competitive college admission process.

12. AP®: Skills & Advantages that Last a Lifetime
Taking an AP course helps students build critical thinking skills, confidence, and the essential time management and study skills needed for college success.
Nationally, research shows that students who score a 3 or higher on an AP Exam typically earn higher grade point averages in college and have higher graduation rates than their non-AP peers.*
*2009, The College Board, “The Relationship Between AP Exam Performance and College Outcomes"

13. AP® Helps Students Graduate on Time & Save Money
Students who take AP courses and exams are much more likely to complete a college degree on time.* Graduating in four years represents a significant savings on the cost of college.
For example, AP English Literature students had four- year college graduation rates that were 62% higher than students that had not taken AP English Literature.
*College Outcomes Comparisons by AP and Non-AP High School Experiences, The College Board, 2008
Presenter can add additional bullets on the college admission/college graduation rates at your school for former students in your AP courses.

14. Impact on Scholarships
31% of colleges and universities consider a student’s AP experience when making decisions about which students will receive scholarships.

15. What is it like to take AP®?

16. AP® Myths & Realities Myth Reality
AP courses are for students who always get good grades.
AP courses are for any students who are academically prepared and motivated to take college-level courses.
AP courses are too stressful.
It's no secret that AP courses are challenging. But the support you receive from your classmates and teachers can help you manage the work load.
I don't think I will score high enough on the AP Exam to get college credit.
You don’t need to score a 5. Many colleges grant credit — and placement as well — based on a 3 or higher on an AP Exam.
Taking AP courses could hurt my GPA.
Taking AP courses shows colleges that you’re willing to challenge yourself academically.
I can’t take AP because no one has recommended me.
If you think you’re ready to take an AP course, then you’re ready to advocate for yourself — just talk to a teacher or counselor.
Presenter: This is a good time to address any other “myths” or misperceptions that you hear from your students about the AP program.

17. AP®: A More Engaging Learning Experience
AP courses challenge students to work and participate at a higher level:
Classes tend to be fast-paced and cover more material than typical classes. There are more opportunities to explore topics in depth.
More time, inside and outside of the classroom, is required to complete lessons, assignments, homework, and projects.
Teachers expect students to think critically, analyze and synthesize facts and data, weigh multiple perspectives, and write clearly and persuasively.

18. Students & Teachers … In Their Own Words
Students say… Mr Daniel Grooms (Class of 2020) BFA Miss Bria Martin (Class of 2018) BHS Teachers say… Mr. Kyle Baron (AP Human Geography) BFA Mrs. Cassi Buys (AP Government) BHS Mrs. Andrea Mabrey (AP Calculus) BHS
Questions to ask students & parents:
What kinds of experiences “surprised” you about the AP experience?
Some students think they may not be “up to” taking an AP course? What advice can you offer for these students so they don’t miss out on an opportunity?
<<To parents>> What kinds of advice and insight can you offer to new “AP” parents and students?
What can parents do to support their child’s AP experiences and success?

19. AP® Exams

20. AP® Exams
AP Exams are administered by schools worldwide on set dates in May each year.
Exams are typically 2–3 hours and include:
Multiple-choice questions
Free-response items such as essays, problem solving, document-based questions and oral response

21. Why take AP EXAMS?
Most two- and four-year colleges and universities in the United States offer credit or advanced placement for qualifying AP Exam scores.
Credit: Students earn credit toward their college degrees.
Higher placement: Students can skip introductory courses and move directly into higher-level classes, and/or fulfill general education requirements.

22. Credit and Placement Opportunities
Each college and university has its own policies regarding AP® credit and placement. The College Board offers information about AP credit at thousands of college and universities at
Search by school name or alphabetically
Data for each school includes a direct link to that school’s web page detailing AP credit and placement policies
Statement from the college or university about the school’s AP policy

23. Next Steps

24. AP®: Start the Conversation
Help your child prepare to talk to a teacher or counselor about AP. Here are some questions to encourage your child to think about:
What AP course is right for me?
Before you talk to a teacher or counselor, think about what interests you:
Which courses do you enjoy most in school? In which subjects do you excel?
What college majors are you considering? What careers excite you?
Ask your counselor or teacher the following questions:
In which AP courses at our school am I likely to do well?
Are there other courses that can help me succeed in AP or prepare me for college and careers?
What steps do I need to take?
Are there study groups or people who can offer help if I need it?
What can I do next to help me prepare for AP?
Presenter: Encourage families to talk openly and realistically with students about the time commitment, challenges, etc., without exaggerating the difficulties. Many students take multiple AP courses and thrive. Others find better success with one or two AP courses, depending on their other school, work and home commitments.

25. Please join us in the lobby tonight for a chance to talk to our AP teachers! THANK YOU!
AP options can be discussed specifically during your child’s Individual Graduation Plan in the spring at Byrnes Freshman Academy and Byrnes High School. These conferences are held each year with your child’s guidance counselor.