Advanced Placement Computer Science A
Course Description
Computer science embraces problem solving, hardware, algorithms, and perspectives that help
people utilize computers to address real-world problems in contemporary life. The course
underscores the importance of communicating solutions appropriately and in ways that are
relevant to current societal needs.
AP Computer Science A (a one semester course) is equivalent to a first-semester, college-level
course in computer science. The course introduces students to computer science with
fundamental topics that include problem solving, design strategies and methodologies,
organization of data (data structures), approaches to processing data (algorithms), analysis of
potential solutions, and the ethical and social implications of computing. The course emphasizes
both object-oriented and imperative problem solving and design using the Java language. These
techniques represent proven approaches for developing solutions that can scale up from small,
simple problems to large, complex problems. The AP Computer Science course curriculum is
compatible with many CS1 courses in colleges and universities.
Prerequisite Requirements
Students should have a working knowledge of basic English and algebra. Students should be
comfortable with functions and the concepts found in the uses of function notation, such as f(x) =
x + 2 and f (x) = g(h(x)). It is important that students and their parents understand that any
significant computer science course builds upon a foundation of mathematical reasoning that
should be acquired before attempting such a course. Applicants must have successfully
completed Advanced Algebra or higher. Students must also have a recommendation from their
most recent math teacher.
Programming Language and Lab Requirements
The AP Computer Science course must include a minimum of 20 hours of hands-on structured
lab experiences to engage students in individual or group problem- solving. Thus, each AP
Computer Science A course must include a substantial laboratory component in which students
design solutions to problems, express their solutions precisely, test their solutions, identify and
correct errors (when mistakes occur), and compare possible solutions.
The AP Computer Science A course requires that solutions of problems be written in the Java
programming language. Because the Java programming language is extensive with far more
features than could be covered in a single introductory course, the AP Computer Science A
Exam covers a subset of Java. Students enrolled in this course will spend time in both a regular
classroom setting and a computer lab setting during the semester.
Instructor: Don Wisdom (dwisdom@walton.k12.ga.us)
(continued)
I have read and understand the prerequisites and requirements above.
Student Name (please print):
Current Grade Level: 10
11
ID#:
List all high school math courses completed, including current math course:
Student Signature
Date
Parent Signature
Date
Most Recent Math Teacher’s Recommendation:




Student should have strong algebraic skills;
Student should have strong problem-solving skills;
Student should have strong English communication skills;
Student should have a good work ethic.
[ ] Recommended for AP Computer Science
Teacher’s Signature:
Course Taught this Student:
Comments (if any):
(continued)
[ ] Not Recommended
Walton County School District
Advanced Placement Program Student Contract
Note: A separate agreement must be signed and submitted for each AP course a student takes.
Date: ____________
Student Name:
AP Course:
Parent/Guardian Name:
Parent/Guardian Phone Number:
Parent/Guardian Email Address:
You have indicated an interest in registering for one or more Advanced Placement (AP) courses during the
upcoming school year. Taking an AP course and exam is a collaborative effort between you, the student, your
parent/guardian, your teacher(s), and the school. Each party plays a role and must make the commitment to meet the
expectations noted below.
The Student agrees to organize his/her time and effort to successfully complete the AP course in which he/she is
enrolled. The student will notify teachers immediately if he/she falls behind in class readings and/or assignments.
The student will be expected to complete assignments, readings and projects outside of class time. For year-long
courses, the student understands that an earned grade below 70% at the end of the first semester will constitute the
removal of the student from the AP course altogether. The student will be placed in a college-preparatory equivalent
course for the second semester of the school year. The student is expected to take the AP Exam on its scheduled
date and time as outlined by the College Board. Once the registration process has been completed, you are
obligated to take the AP course(s) which you have chosen.
The Parent/Guardian agrees to be familiar with and accept the AP course requirements and policies, and to help
his/her student organize study time in support of class assignments. The parent/guardian agrees to purchase required
materials and to pay the exam fee as determined by the AP Coordinator. If the parent/guardian is unable to meet
these requirements for financial reasons, they will contact the AP Coordinator immediately.
The School (AP Teacher and AP Coordinator) agrees to provide rigorous instruction and challenging course
content as described in the AP Course Description. The school will provide the student with a copy of the Bulletin
for AP Students and Parents and agrees to administer the AP Exam in a fair and secure environment as outlined in
the AP Coordinator’s Manual.
Walton County AP Course Exam Expectations: Students who are enrolled in and complete any Advanced
Placement course at Walton County high schools will be expected to take the College Board Advanced Placement
Exam for that course, unless there are extenuating circumstances that prevent a student from taking an exam. The
College Board does not require that students enrolled in an AP course take the corresponding AP Exam. This
agreement is for school use only and is based upon AP Exam administration policies established locally by school
officials.
__________________________________________
The student is responsible for collecting the required signatures and returning this agreement to the
teacher of the AP course requested by Friday, January 30, 2015.
Acknowledgement of Responsibilities
I, ____________________ (student), agree to the conditions outlined above. I understand that once I
have registered for an AP course, I am obligated to take that course. I understand that once the
registration process has been completed, I am obligated to take the AP course(s) which I have chosen. I
understand that I am the primary party responsible for completion of AP assignments and obtaining
tutoring and additional academic assistance should I fall behind or have concerns with understanding and
completing assignments. I understand that I am expected to meet all AP deadlines on time, as well. I
understand that, in the case of a year-long AP course, should my grade fall below 70% in that course at
the end of the first semester, I will be removed from the AP course and placed in a second-semester,
college-preparatory course with equivalent curriculum.
I, _________________, (parent/guardian) agree to the conditions outlined above. I understand that, in the
case of a year-long AP course, should my student’s grade fall below 70% in that course at the end of the
first semester, my student will be removed from the AP course and placed in a second-semester, collegepreparatory course with equivalent curriculum. I understand that once the registration process has been
completed, my student is obligated to take the AP course(s) which he/she has chosen. I understand that
the AP Exam fee will be determined in the Spring for all tests in addition to the first test that my student
requests to take (cost of first test is covered by the school), at least two months in advance of the testing
date. I understand that once a test has been ordered, I am monetarily responsible for the expense of the
test, should my student choose not to take the test on the day of the exam. I understand that no late tests
will be ordered or made available to students except in cases of documentable emergency. A note from a
parent will not be considered valid documentation for the ordering and administering of a late exam, and
direct parental contact with the program administrator will be required. Should a late test be required for
my student, I understand that I am monetarily responsible for the late test fee.
_______________________________________
Student Signature
____________________
Date
_______________________________________
Parent/Guardian Signature
____________________
Date