2012-2013 High School Curriculum Bulletin - McAllen ISD

Advanced Academic ServicesEvery high school student is encouraged to participate in the high school academicprogram that provides academic rigor and an opportunity to take one or morecollege level courses while still in high school. Some students have not been usedto stretching their intellectual muscles, and may be selling themselves short by notparticipating in the Advanced Academic Program.Identified high school gifted and talented students are served through one or acombination of the following programs:• the Advanced Placement Program,• the International Baccalaureate (IB) Program or• College Concurrent EnrollmentHigh school advanced academic programs are open to all students. All areasof service for the Advanced Academic Program and the gifted and talented studentinvolve an intensive course of study that culminates in students being eligible toreceive college credit for successfully completing high stakes exams or participatingin college level work.The academically rigorous courses of study engage students in activities designedto develop skills in writing, problem - solving, critical and creative-thinking skills.Students will be expected to engage in the coursework as if they are in college andare requested to devote the necessary extra hours of study for every 1 hour of classtime, to be successful. The Advanced Academic Program at every high school willgive students a clear understanding of the effort needed to excel in college.Advanced Placement CoursesAP courses provide students the opportunity to take college - level courses while stillin high school. These courses are taught using college - level textbooks and requirein-depth reading of texts from multiple genres, periods, and cultures. Pre-AP coursesprovide students with the skills and knowledge base necessary to be successful inAdvanced Placement Courses.Why take Pre AP and Advanced Placement Courses?• Gain the edge in college preparation• Get a head start on college-level work in Advanced Placement.• Improve writing skills and sharpen problem-solving techniques.• Develop the study habits necessary for tackling rigorous course work.Stand Out in the College Admissions Process• Demonstrate your maturity and readiness for college.• Show your willingness to take the most rigorous courses available.• Emphasize commitment to academic excellence.Broaden Your Intellectual Horizons• Explore the world from a variety of perspectives, most importantly your own.• Study subjects in greater depth and detail.• Assume the responsibility of reasoning, analyzing, and understanding foryourself.• All AP courses are pending College Board approval.• Students who receive a "3,4 or 5" on an AP exam may receive college levelcredit, or advanced placement, depending on the University.• Savings can add up to $3,000 per course.Page 7Advanced Measure for the Distinguished Achievement Program Diploma• Successful AP course completion and successful AP Examination count asone measure for the DAP. A score of "3,4, or 5" indicates that the student isdoing college-level work.AP Classes Entry/Exit PolicyEntry Procedure: To gain admission into the Advanced Placement Program, allinterested students must confer with their counselor and academic teachers. Anystudent who wishes to enroll in the Advanced Placement courses may do so. Studentsare highly encouraged to take Pre-Advanced Placement during the 9th and 10thgrade, as a prerequisite to AP courses. Students who are enrolled in an AdvancedPlacement class are required to take the Advanced Placement exam.The following are required for AP enrollment:• Student Interest• Parent Approval• Ability to attend required tutoring and required Advanced PlacementAcademy study sessions• Ability to commit time to study for a college level courseExit Procedure: Once enrolled into the Advanced Placement course, an AP studentmay desire to exit. To exit an AP class, a committee established by the principal,will determine exit based on the following:• Student Request• Parent Request• AP Teacher/AP Coordinator/Counselor Input• Teacher/Student/Parent Interview• Space/scheduling availability in a comparable courseInternational Baccalaureate ProgrammeInternational Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (MYP) at Lamar Academy(grades 9-10)The IB Middle Years Programme, provides a framework of rigorous academicchallenge that encourages students to embrace and understand the connectionsbetween traditional subjects and the real world, and become critical and reflectivethinkers. The programme consists of eight subject groups integrated through fiveareas of interaction that provide a framework for learning within and across thesubjects. The MYP Programme includes a community service component requiringaction and reflection. Students are required to study the following subjects by atrained Middle Years Programme teacher every year:• their mother tongue, (English)• a second language,(Language other than English)• humanities,• sciences,• mathematics,• arts,• physical education,• and technology.In the final year of the programme (grade 10), students also engage in a personalproject, which allows them to demonstrate the understandings and skills they havedeveloped throughout the programme.McAllen ISD’s Commitment to Advanced Placement Participation• Students enrolled in AP courses are required to participate in the AP exams.