THE ADVANCED PLACEMENT PROGRAM

Advanced Placement (AP) is a program of college-level courses and exams that gives high school students the opportunity to earn credit, advanced placement, or both for college while still in high school. AP classes will be the most rigorous courses offered at Rock Canyon HS and will receive a weighted grade.

AP Courses Offered in School Year 2009-2010

AP Biology                                                            AP Calculus AB
AP Chemistry                                                       AP Calculus BC
AP Environmental Science                                AP Physics C
AP Language and Composition                       AP Statistics
AP Literature and Composition                        AP European History
AP Spanish Language                                        AP United States History
AP Psychology                                                     AP Economics
AP U.S. Government                                           AP French Language
AP Human Geography                                       AP Micro/Macro Economics

Open Enrollment Framework

Rock Canyon believes all students benefit from the rigor of an AP course and thus maintains an open enrollment policy.  There are a few qualifying factors to ensure proper placement when a student enrolls in an AP course.  Check the description of each AP course for which ones apply.

• Teacher Signatures – enrollment in every AP course at RCHS requires the signature of a current teacher in the same content area.
• Application – courses in the English department have an application form to be filled out separately.
• Prerequisites – some AP courses require the successful completion of an appropriate foundational class. (Example: completion of Spanish IV before enrollment in AP Spanish).
• Proficiencies – many of the academic departments suggest minimum proficiencies from prerequisite courses or standardized exams (Example – completion of Algebra II with a recommended “B” or higher when enrolling in Statistics).

 

Stipulations of Taking AP Course Work

A student enrolled in an AP course is choosing a curriculum that goes beyond the basic high school graduation requirements.  The pacing, difficulty, skill development, and content of such courses revolve around the expectation of student completion of the College Board AP Exam in May.  With this understanding comes the commitment to a year long course that demands some of the following elements from its participants.

• Course Registration Contract – every student who signs up for one or more AP courses will be required to have a signed contract that confirms their understanding of the commitment to the course and academic rigor.
• Examination – RCHS students are strongly encouraged to take the AP exam, and it is a major focus of the course content and instruction.  There is a cost in excess of $80 for each AP exam taken.
• Fees & materials – there are additional costs accrued for participation in several AP courses.  Many courses request that students purchase their textbook so they can be highlighted and written in.  Other AP classes may have additional materials such as workbooks or lab fees.
• Time commitment – weekends, long breaks, and “Access time” will systematically be used to stay on schedule with content information.  Students can expect daily homework commiserate with the time frame.  Additionally, courses have the ability to assign summer work to be completed before the start of the school year.

 

Weighting of Grades of AP Courses

• All AP courses are weighted. (A= 5.0, B= 4.0, C=3.0, D=1.0, F=0.0)
• It is highly recommended that a student take the AP exam.  If they do not take the exam, the grade is still weighted and listed as AP on the transcript.
• If a student drops an AP class at semester, the weight will remain on the course.

 

Advantages of Taking AP Course Work

• AP courses and exams represent the beginning of the journey through college-level academic challenges.
• Collegiate institutions recognize that applicants with AP experience are much better prepared for the demands of college courses.
• Tuition savings are realized for students whose AP performance earns them college credit.
• Earning AP credit allows students to move into upper-level courses in their field of interest by exempting them from required introduction courses. In addition, students have the opportunity of completing their degree early.
• More than 1,400 collegiate institutions award a full year's credit (Sophomore Standing) to students presenting satisfactory grades on a specific number of AP Exams.
• Gaining credit or advanced standing in college can give you time for other interests: time abroad, extra classes, independent studies, and internships.
• AP students are eligible for honors and other special programs in college.

 

AP Scholar Awards

Each year, the College Board recognizes high school students who have demonstrated college-level achievement through multiple AP courses and exams. Some of the awards and their requirements are as follows:

• AP Scholar. Granted to students who receive grades of 3 or higher on three or more AP Exams on full-year courses (or the equivalent).
• AP Scholar with Honor. Granted to students who receive an average grade of at least 3.25 on all AP Exams taken, and grades of 3 or higher on four or more of these exams on full-year courses (or the equivalent).
• AP Scholar with Distinction. Granted to students who receive an average grade of at least 3.5 on all AP Exams taken, and grades of 3 or higher on five or more of these exams on full-year courses (or the equivalents).

 

Source: AP Bulletin for Students and Parents published by the College Board.