Learner Services: Advanced Academics/ Advanced Placement/International Baccalaureate Programs
612 E. Bethany Drive, Allen, TX 75002
972-727-0332 phone
972-727-0434 fax
Contact:
Beth Nicholas - Assistant Superintendent
Lisa Casto - Director of Staff Development and Curriculum
Barbara Myer - Advanced Academics Coordinator
Advanced Academics
Inquiries may be submitted to:
New students to the district should contact the Advanced Academics office for Middle School
Math PreAP placement consideration.
2013-2014 Advanced Academics Middle School
Open enrollment; "self-select" for English PreAP/IB 7/8, Social Studies PreAP/IB 7/8,
Science PreAP/IB 7/8
7th incoming students 2013-2014
All current 2012-2013 6th grade students will be evaluated for Math 7 PreAP/IB. Qualifying students will review notification reflected on student’s Course Selection available in May through Skyward
(parent portal).
Qualifications based upon the following: 4th Math TAKS, 5th Math STAAR, 6th first semester math
grade. Students must meet two of three district criteria for placement.
Any student who did not meet criteria for advanced math initially will be re-evaluated using 6th final
math grade and 6th Math STAAR score. Placement notification will be reflected on student’s schedule in
August. There are NO appeals.
8th incoming students 2013-2014
All current 2012-2013 Math 7 PreAP/IB students will be evaluated for Algebra I PreAP/IB.
Qualifications based upon the following: 6th Math STARR, 7th first semester math grade, and Orleans Hanna Diagnostic Test. Students must meet two of three district criteria for placement and successfully complete Math 7 PreAP/IB.
Orleans Hanna Diagnostic test will be administered to all Math 7 PreAP/IB students in January.
Any student who did not meet criteria for Algebra I PreAP/IB will be re-evaluated using 7th final math grade and 7th Math STAAR score. Placement notification will be reflected on student’s schedule in August.
There are NO appeals.
ONLY students who successfully complete Math 7 PreAP/IB are eligible for Algebra I PreAP/IB
evaluation and placement.
Foreign Language qualifications: Students must have an 85 semester average in both English 7
and Math 7 for placement.
Students who did not qualify based upon first semester averages may request a re-evaluation to Advanced Academics office with final average by June 10, 2013. Email: advancedacademics@allenisd.org
Re-evaluations:
Incoming 7th 2013-2014 students who did NOT initially qualify for Math 7 PreAP will be reviewed for
re-evaluation. Placement will be noted on student's schedule available in August during back to school week.
Incoming 8th 2013-2014 students who did NOT initially qualify for Algebra I PreAP will be reviewed for
re-evaluation. Placement will be noted on student's schedule available in August during back to school week.
Incoming 8th 2013-2014 students who requested a re-evaluation for Foreign Language will be reviewed for
re-evaluation. Placement will be noted on student's schedule available in August during back to school week.
Allen High School Advanced Academics - click here to view
Advanced Academics Standards and Expectations
· Advanced Academics courses are more rigorous than regular classes. Students will encounter more challenging schoolwork.
· Students are encouraged to be self-motivated learners in order to be successful in Advanced Academic courses.
· A strong student/teacher working relationship paves the way for success in an Advanced Academics course.
· Strong creative and critical thinking skills will aid in Advanced Academic course success.
· Advanced Academic courses may require independent research.
· Time management is imperative in order to be prepared for course assignments.
· Self-initiated tutoring is strongly recommended.
· The goal of Pre-AP courses is to ready students for AP and IB (International Baccalaureate) course work as well as sitting for AP and IB exams in high school.
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Elementary School Advanced Academics
The advanced math sequence begins in 6th grade. The name of the course was changed to Math 6 PreAP 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 creates a
more developmentally appropriate curriculum that fosters more depth and complexity and better aligns with secondary
PreAP and AP strands. All 5th grade students will be evaluated for entry into Math 6 PreAP by reviewing a student’s final math 5th grade, 5th Math, and 4th Math TAKS. Notification will take place prior to the start of school for those students who qualify for
entry into this course.
If a student does not qualify for PreAP math at this time, he/she will be re-evaluated in the spring of 6th grade for
Math 7 PreAP.
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Middle School Advanced Academics
Allen ISD offers PreAP courses in Math, English, Science, and Social Studies at the middle school level. All courses except Math are open enrollment, self-select. The open enrollment courses follow the same Texas Essential Knowledge and
Skills to a greater depth and complexity.
Math 7 PreAP/IB and Algebra I PreAP/IB qualifications are stated above.
Foreign Language for 8th grade students stated above.
Math 7 PreAP/IB, Algebra I PreAP/IB, and Foreign Language are considered high school credit courses.
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PSAT
As part of the College Board College and Career Pathway, AISD administers PSAT each fall to all ninth, tenth, and eleventh grade students. All current ninth, tenth, and eleventh grade students will participate in PSAT.
The Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT), cosponsored by the College Board and the National Merit Scholarship Corporation, is an important first step towards college. Test results and their accompanying analysis are valuable tools that can help prepare students for the SAT® and education opportunities beyond high school.
Each year, more than 3.5 million high school juniors, sophomores, and younger students take the PSAT/NMSQT to:
The PSAT/NMSQT is the qualifying test for National Merit Scholarship Corporation’s scholarship and recognition programs. Test-takers also receive My College QuickStart™, a free personalized college planning kit that includes access to MyRoad™, the College Board's online majors, college, and career exploration program.
Understanding Your PSAT/NMQST Results(click above to view presentation)
ReadiStep
ReadiStep is a middle school assessment that measures skills students need to be on track for college success. It provides insight into students’ academic progress and also equips educators with tools they can use to make informed decisions in the classroom. All AISD eighth grade students will participate in ReadiStep.
The College Readiness Pathway
ReadiStep is the first step on the College Board’s College Readiness Pathway — an integrated series of assessments that includes the PSAT/NMSQT and the SAT. Together, these assessments measure a progression of skills and help schools and districts make targeted interventions at critical points in a student’s career.
Measuring College Readiness
Like the PSAT/NMSQT and the SAT, ReadiStep is aligned to individual state standards and the Common Core State Standards. It is also aligned to the College Board Standards for College Success (CBSCS), a national model of rigorous standards that define the knowledge and skills students need to be college and career ready.
Advanced Placement (AP)
Allen High School offers approximately over 22 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 interview 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)
Web Resources
Teacher Resources
AP Central
College Board
International Baccalaureate
Texas IB Organization
Student Resources
AP Central
College Board Student Resources
