The Pre-AP™ and
Advanced Placement Program®
It’s not just an Examination.
It’s not just a Course.
It’s a Program.
Keller High School
Keller Independent School District
Keller, Texas
Goals for this Presentation
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Provide information that will assist parents and
students in making decisions about high school
course options.
Apprise parents and students of the benefits of
selecting the most challenging courses that the
student can manage.
Provide realistic expectations for students and parents
on what to expect from Pre-AP/AP courses at Keller
High
Hear from KHS Students and Teachers about the PreAP/AP experience.
What is Pre-AP?
Pre-AP™ is a set of content-specific strategies,
designed by College Board, to:
 build rigorous curricula
 promote access to AP® for all students
 introduce skills, concepts, and assessment methods
 to prepare students for success when they take AP
and other challenging courses
 strengthen curriculum and increase the academic
challenge for all students
Classes offered in the
KHS Pre-AP Program
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Algebra II Pre-AP
Geometry Pre-AP
Pre-Calculus Pre-AP
English I Pre-AP
English II Pre-AP
Art I Pre-AP
Art II Drawing, Painting,
and Sculpture Pre-AP
Art III Drawing,
Painting, and Sculpture
Pre-AP
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French I/II/III Pre-AP
German I/II/III Pre-AP
Spanish I/II/III Pre-AP
Biology Pre-AP
Chemistry Pre-AP
Physics Pre-AP
World Geography Pre-AP
Computer Science Pre-AP
The Advanced Placement Program

The College Board’s Advanced Placement Program® offers
motivated high school students the opportunity to take challenging
college-level courses while in high school. These courses are taught
by high school teachers, who utilize course descriptions developed
by committees of university professors and experienced AP
teachers.
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Each spring, students are offered the opportunity to demonstrate
their knowledge and skills on subject specific AP Examinations.
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Successful completion of an AP Exam can result in college credit,
advanced standing, or both, depending on the college or university a
student chooses to attend.
Classes offered in the
KHS AP Program
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Calculus AB and BC
Statistics
English III (Language)
English IV (Literature)
World History
US History
Government
Micro/Macro
Economics
Psychology
Music Theory
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Biology
Chemistry
Physics B and C
Environmental Science
Computer Science
Spanish Lang and Lit.
French, German and Spanish IV
Spanish V
Art History
Studio 2D and 3D Design
AP Results at KHS
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
KELLER HIGH
Total AP Students 637
620
648
623
642
Number of Exams 1307
1271
1265
1201
1262
391
403
416
480
63.1%
62.2%
66.8%
74.8%
61.1%
60.2%
60.2%
61.5%
AP Students with Scores 3+ 357
% of Total AP Students with Scores 3+ 56%
GLOBAL
% of Total AP Students with Scores 3+ 60.1%
Benefits of the PAP/AP Program
while in High School
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Gain the edge in college preparation
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Stand out in the college admissions process
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Improve writing skills and sharpen problem-solving
techniques.
Develop the study habits necessary for tackling rigorous course
work.
Get a head start on exactly the sort of work you will confront in
college.
Demonstrate maturity and readiness for college.
Show willingness to push yourself to the limit.
Emphasize your commitment to academic excellence.
Broaden your intellectual horizons
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Explore the world from a variety of perspectives, most
importantly your own.
Study subjects in greater depth and detail.
Benefits of the AP Program
while in College
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Increase your options by earning college credit or advanced standing.
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Move into upper-level courses in your field of interest.
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Pursue a double major or a BA/MA program.
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Gain time to study or travel abroad.
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Save $$ on college tuition and fees.
2013-2014 College Tuition Costs
Texas A & M University
15 Semester Hours
$9,036
Texas State University
15 Semester Hours
$9,115
Texas Tech University
15 Semester Hours
$9,242
University of North Texas
15 Semester Hours
$9,246
University of Texas @ Austin
15 Semester Hours
$9,790
Baylor University
15 Semester Hours
$36,172
Abilene Christian University
15 Semester Hours
$28,350
Texas Christian University
15 Semester Hours
$36,590
Source: www.CollegeForTexans.com
Frequently Asked Questions
1.
Are there any special qualifications for taking a
Pre-AP course?
No. Pre-AP courses are open enrollment. We
do recommend that students and parents make
informed decisions about engaging in
advanced academic courses.
Factors to Consider when
deciding upon Pre-AP/AP Courses
•Academic Strengths
•Commitment
•Extracurricular Activities
•Family Support
•Family Academic Expectations
Frequently Asked Questions
2.
Can my student make a schedule change if he/she
determines that a Pre-AP course is to difficult?
After two weeks of attending class, attending regular
tutorials, turning in all assignments, retesting when
appropriate, and conferencing with the teacher a
request for a “SAVE” may be submitted.
Comparison DATA
1st Semester Regular Course Averages
English
Ave.
Math
Ave.
7th
86
7th
83
7th
87
7th
87
8th
83
8th
80
8th
80
8th
87
Eng. 1
81.18
Alg I
80
Biology 79.57
W. Geo
80.81
Eng. 2
83.43
Chemistry 79.12
W. Hist
81.39
Eng. 3
79.93
Alg II
84.13
US Hist
81.99
Eng. 4
81.4
PreCal
85.62
Govt
86.97
Econ
84.44
Geometry 75.91
Science Ave.
Physics
79.24
Social
Ave.
Comparison DATA
1st Semester PreAP/AP Course Averages
English
Ave.
Math
Ave.
7th
93
7th
87
7th
91
7th
91
8th
91
8th- Alg 1
91
8th
90
8th
94
Eng. 1
84.58
Biology
85.2
W. Geo
86.91
Eng. 2
83.59
Alg II
86.4
Chemistry 80.76
W. Hist
80.67
Eng. 3
84.9
PreCal
88.53
Physics 82.68
US Hist
84.17
Eng. 4
89.47
Govt
86.34
Econ
88.85
Geometry 81.92
Science Ave.
Social
Ave.
Frequently Asked Questions
3.
Do advanced classes have more homework than
standard courses?
Pre-AP classes may have more homework than
standard courses. These typically require more
reading, more writing, and more independent practice
with the goal of developing advanced skills in those
courses. You will be expected to understand
concepts at a quicker pace as well understand the
concepts in greater depth.
Frequently Asked Questions
4. How might taking advanced academic courses affect
my student’s grades?
Advanced courses may have an effect on GPA
because the standards of excellence are set very high
in these courses. However, remember that
participation in advanced courses has been a better
predictor of future success than GPA. We encourage
parents to focus on what students are learning rather
than the B or C grades they may encounter in the
journey.
What counts in college addmissions
82
Courses Selected
46
SAT Scores
42
Class Rank
39
Overall Grades
14
Essay
6
Work/School Activity
0
NACAC Survey
College Admissions Officials
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
% citing “considerably important”
80
90
Introduction of Panel
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Teachers
Mr. Mackey – PAP Geometry and AP Calculus
 Mrs. Young – PAP Biology and AP Biology
 Mrs. McLaughlin – PAP W. Geography, AP World
History, AP European History
 Mrs. Lynch – AP English III (Language) and Keller
High GT Liaison
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Introduction of Student Panel
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Students
Lauren Bowman – Senior
 Meghna Saha – Junior
 Roma Shah - Freshman
 Kyle Summerville – Freshmen
 Brad Torpey – Junior
 Ashley Thompson – KHS Graduate
 Haley Morrison – KHS Graduate
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Question & Answer from
Audience
Summary
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Students will encounter high quality instruction
in all courses.
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The leveled courses are designed to best match
students’ areas of interest and instructional level.
Choose courses based on what is best for your
student not everyone else.
Summary
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Seek academic challenges as the best way to
prepare your student for an extended journey
from adolescence to adulthood.
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Pre-AP / AP courses provide rigorous learning
environments. They require commitment on the
part of the students, but the combination of
rigor and commitment can have wonderful
effects.
PAP and AP classes are more rigorous than
regular classes. They involve deeper
concentration, and more time and energy
and students must meet higher
expectations. But anyone who is willing to
accept the challenge and work hard can
succeed in PAP and AP classes at KHS.