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Advanced Placement: The College Board offers a series of exams called Advanced Placement Exams which may allow a student to earn college credit. Each college has its own criteria for awarding credit, so students should check their preferred colleges’ catalogs and web sites. Spring Branch ISD high schools offer both Pre-AP and AP courses to prepare students for the AP exams. The work level is more difficult and demanding than in Grade Level courses because they are designed to provide students with a college-level experience in high school. Pre-AP and AP courses are awarded extra grade points, one per core subject area, with a maximum of four per year. The following guidelines provide a profile of a student who typically experiences success in Pre-AP/AP courses: • Successful completion of prerequisite coursework. • Current or previous successful performance in related area/course. • 85th percentile or higher on the most recent standardized achievement test or other district-identified testing measure. • Teacher recommendation. Careful consideration should be made before enrolling in a Pre-AP or AP course. • Curriculum alignment and required reading vary between Grade Level and Pre-AP/AP courses. • Schedule changes from Pre-AP/AP courses to Grade Level courses may only occur at specified times. Please refer to the Pre-AP/AP Contract on pages 7-8 of the Program of Studies for specific information. • If there is not an opening in a Grade Level class the same period, students may have schedule changes that affect other classes and experience teacher changes. • SBISD Grading Expectations include a provision for grade enhancement when a change is made from Pre-AP/AP courses to Grade Level courses at the end of a grading period within a semester. The adjustment raises the numerical grade from the Pre-AP/AP course to a grade in the next higher letter grade range for the Grade Level course. The adjustment is NOT an automatic 10 points. These guidelines can be found on the school and district web sites. • For AP courses for which there are no grade level equivalents, students must have at least a “C” average to remain in the course at end of the 1st six weeks. The parent/guardian of a student with a “D” average who wishes to remain in the course must sign a statement documenting that they understand the student will not have the opportunity to exit the course until the end of the semester. These courses include: Art: Studio Art AP, AP Art History Foreign Language: Courses levels IV-VI Mathematics: Statistics AP, Calculus AB, BC, Computer Science AP Science: Environmental Science AP, Physics B, Physics C, Biology AP, Chemistry AP Social Studies: Euro History AP, Psychology AP (2nd semester only), US History AP Advanced Placement (AP) Exams: The College Board AP exams are given once a year, in May, during the school day. Each three-hour exam covers college level content in a specific course. The tests consist of both multiple choice and essay questions. Foreign Language exams include a speaking and listening section. Scores range from 1-5, with most colleges awarding credit for scores of 3 or better. Registration takes place in March in the counselors’ office. or during Spartan Time on campus. Price: Approximately $92. (Prices subject to change.) Registration: In March, in the counselor’s office or during Spartan Time. Pre-payment required. College Board fee waivers available for qualified students. Type: Three hours each subject |