Socorro Independent School District
Pre-Advanced
and Advanced
Placement
Program
2016-2017
What is Pre-AP?
• Pre-Advanced Placement Program
• Administered by the College Board, and allows
students to participate in college preparation
courses leading to college level AP courses
offered in high school
• Provides rigorous courses in grades 6 -10
• Develops the skills, habits of mind, and concepts
students need to succeed in college
Pre-Advanced and Advanced Placement Program
Pre-AP Beliefs
• All students can perform at rigorous academic
levels
• To prepare every student for higher intellectual
engagement by the development of skills and
acquiring of knowledge as early as possible
Pre-Advanced and Advanced Placement Program
Advantages of Pre-AP Courses
• Students are better prepared for college
• Pre-AP classes are more challenging and
rigorous
• Students acquire skills needed to succeed in AP
courses at the high school level
Pre-Advanced and Advanced Placement Program
Why should my student take Pre-AP
classes?
• Pre-AP strengthens the skills students need to think
critically and analyze problems – much like any
college level course.
• College Admissions Counselors recommend
students for admissions based on a rigorous high
school course transcript.
• Students who succeed in Pre-AP courses
generally do well in college.
Pre-Advanced and Advanced Placement Program
How do Pre-AP classes compare to other
school courses?
• Courses are more challenging and require a higher
level of performance.
• Students get a head start on college level work.
• Students improve their writing skills, study habits, and
problem solving abilities.
• Pre-AP classes require that students be involved and
motivated.
• Curriculum and instruction will be presented at a
rigorous academic level to ensure students are
consistently being challenged.
Pre-Advanced and Advanced Placement Program
What background does my student need to
succeed in Pre-AP courses?
• Must able to read perceptively and independently.
• Must possess maturity, motivation, and self-discipline.
• Have a strong foundation in traditional course areas.
• Must possess good speaking, writing, reading and
listening skills.
• Be a creative and imaginative thinker.
• Have good collaborative skills.
Pre-Advanced and Advanced Placement Program
Additional Requirements for
Pre-AP Courses
• Students and parents must sign an agreement
indicating they agree and understand the
requirements of the course(s)
• Students who are not successful in the courses
may be moved and placed in a more
appropriate course
Pre-Advanced and Advanced Placement Program
Late Work Policy
• Late work will not be accepted.
• Students will be able to redo assignments but an
average of the initial grade (which would be a zero
for not turning the assignment) and grade earned
for the redo will be entered into the gradebook.
Application
• If you are currently in a Pre AP course
please write “Currently in Pre AP”
followed by the content area, at the
top of you application.
• Students will have to apply to any new
Pre AP courses.
Criteria for Qualifying for Pre AP
1. Most Recent State Assessment Scores
(will apply to Math and ELAR courses)
2. Report Card Grades (1st 3 marking
periods)
3. Teacher recommendation (current
teacher in content area being
applied)
Criteria (continued)
4. Signed Contract (by both student
and parent)
5. Summer Assignment
6. Personal Narrative
7. Academic Committee Approval
Writing Prompt (Choose 1)
 What was the worst mistake or decision you have ever made
in life? What could you have done differently?
 Write about something you now know that you wish you knew
earlier in your life? How could this knowledge have helped
you?
 If you invented a device that could fix one problem you are
facing right now, would you use it? What problem would you
like to solve.
 What 5 traits do people first notice when they meet you for the
first time?
 Describe your feelings in regards to an issue in today’s society,
and what would be done to fix it?
Application Due Date
All applications will be due to Mr.
McDonald or Mrs. Bustamante no later
than May 18th .
Probationary Period
• 3 weeks, 6 weeks, 9 weeks
• If at the 9 weeks the student is not
passing the Pre AP, they will be placed
in a regular education course.
Lottery
• In the event we have too many
qualified applicants a lottery system
will be used to select students for the
Pre AP course.
Questions?
Pre-Advanced and Advanced Placement Program
Breakout Sessions
• Current 5th Grade in Art Room
• Current 6th Grade in Cafeteria
• Current 7th Grade in Gym