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{Adv Acad} Learner Services: Advanced Academics/ Advanced Placement/International Baccalaureate Programs

612 E. Bethany Drive, Allen, TX 75002
972-727-0511 phone
972-727-0434 fax

Contact:
Beth Nicholas - Assistant Superintendent
Lisa Casto - Director of Staff Development and Curriculum
Debby Moore - Director of Assessment and Counseling
Barbara Myer - Advanced Academics Coordinator
 
Advanced Academics
 
Inquiries may be submitted to:

Elementary School Advanced Academics
The advanced math sequence begins in 6th grade. The name of the course was changed to Math 6 Pre-AP to reflect alignment with secondary coursework and the High School advanced program. This program is designed to accelerate students in mathematics and provide coursework that will prepare students to take Calculus as a senior. This change creates a more developmentally appropriate sequence which compacts the curriculum in the 6th and 7th grade, adding more depth and complexity to existing curriculum and creating a pre-AP course that better aligns with secondary Pre-AP and AP strands.
All 5th grade students will be evaluated for entry into Math 6 Pre-AP by reviewing a student’s final math grade and Math TAKS scores (or equivalent) from both the 4th and 5th grade. Principals will be notified before school begins of those students that qualified for entry into this course. Sixth grade students will be notified of placement in Math 6 Pre-AP on the first day of school. 
If a student does not qualify for Pre-AP math at this time, he/she will be re-evaluated in the spring of 6th grade for Math 7 Pre-AP.
Middle School Advanced Academics
Allen ISD offers Pre-AP courses in Math, English, Science, and Reading at the middle school level. All students are screened for these courses during the spring semester of their 6th grade year.
Any student denied placement may appeal to the department of Learner Services. Appeal applications will be available during the 09-10 Spring Semester. Appeals are based on new information not available at the time of initial screening. i.e. second semester grades, latest TAKS, etc.
New for 2010-2011 - Pre-AP courses in Texas and U.S. History for 7th and 8th grade.  All students are eligible to enroll in these courses.

Incoming 8th grade students not originally placed in a Pre-AP Science or English class may apply for the course during the spring semester of their 7th grade year. Applications will be available during the 09-10 Spring Semester.
 
If you have any questions please contact Beth Nicholas, Director of Curriculum and Assessment at 972-727-0511.
 
 

Online Application for Current 7th Graders not in Pre-AP/IB Science or English 7 who are interested in Pre-AP Science or English 8 - Deadline March 10

 

Online Appeal for Current 6th Graders not placed in Pre-AP/IB 7th grade classes - Deadline June 7

 

Online Appeals for Current 7th Graders not placed in Pre-AP/IB 8th grade classes - Deadline June 7

 

 

Advanced Placement (AP)

Allen High School offers approximately over 20 Advanced Placement (AP) courses. The Advanced Placement Program is directed by the College Board to allow students to take college-level course work while still in high school. The College Board develops the scope and sequence of AP courses and provides training for teachers. The examination for each course is a national standard that is used by colleges to grant college credits to those students that make a high enough score. Most colleges and universities consider students that take AP courses to be better prepared for the rigor of college courses.

Courses designated as “AP” are college-level courses. Students should expect course subject matter and workload at a college level. Students enrolled in an AP course are expected to take the College Board exam at the end of the year.
 


International Baccalaureate (IB)

Allen High School is an authorized school for the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program, a rigorous pre-university course of study for the academically talented and highly motivated student.

The curriculum is designed to provide a broad liberal arts experience for the college bound student. Each student will become proficient in language, mathematical studies, and the experimental sciences. Students also participate in an in-depth exploration of the study of human behavior and the process of educational inquiry. In addition to testing in the 6 subject areas, IB diploma candidates must complete the Theory of Knowledge course, Creativity, Action, Service (CAS) component, and an Extended Essay. Students desiring to enter the program must complete an application process prior to acceptance in the program. Students pursuing an International Baccalaureate Diploma must also meet all state graduation requirements.

Philosophy
The International Baccalaureate Diploma program is a rigorous pre-university course of study for the academically talented and highly motivated secondary student. Designed and administered by the home office in Cardiff, Wales, the program encompasses internationally based standards of achievement. The curriculum is designed to provide a broad liberal arts experience for the college bound student. Each student will become proficient in language and mathematical studies and participate in an in-depth exploration of the study of human behavior and the process of educational inquiry. The program is designed to provide the student with a well-rounded, high academic course of study emphasizing the development of the “whole person.” Successful completion of the course work and examinations at the junior/senior level may earn students credit or advanced placement at colleges and universities around the world.

Students desiring to enter the program must complete an application process prior to acceptance in the program. Students admitted to the program will be encouraged to tailor their course of study based upon their individual interests and unique needs. They may opt to pursue the full IB diploma or to specialize in content fields and receive IB certification in those areas. Both Pre-IB and IB courses earn additional grade points.

Program Description
Full diploma candidates are required to complete course work and test in 6 of the IB hexagon subject areas. At least three, and no more than four areas of study must be done at the Higher Level. The remaining courses are Standard Level. Full diploma candidates must also complete the additional components listed below.

Subject Levels
> Standard Level (after 1 year of study)
> Higher Level (after 2 years of study)

Additional Components
> Extended Essay (completed over summer after junior year)
> CAS (Creativity, Action, Service – 150 hours over a two-year period)
> TOK (Theory of Knowledge course – during senior year)

Subject Areas
Higher Level
> Language A
> History of the Americas/20th Century Topics
> Biology
> Math Higher Level

Standard Level
> Language B
> Math Methods
> 6th Subject
- Psychology
- Physics
- Art/Design


Web Resources
Teacher Resources
AP Central
College Board
International Baccalaureate
Texas IB Organization

Student Resources
AP Central
College Board Student Resources