What is Advanced Placement (AP)?

The Advanced Placement (AP) Program is a cooperative educational endeavor between secondary schools and colleges and universities. It allows high school students to undertake college-level academic learning in AP courses, and gives them the opportunity to show that they have mastered the advanced material by taking the AP Exams. Students can receive credit, advanced placement or both from colleges and universities that participate in College Board’s Advanced Placement Program. It is important for students to check with the college or university they plan to attend regarding the AP exam credit qualifications it will accept.

AP courses make substantial academic demands on students. Mineral Wells ISD’s courses are a full year in length. Students are required to do considerable outside reading and other assignments to demonstrate the analytical skills and writing abilities expected of first year students in a strong college program. This experience helps students develop the intellectual skills and self-discipline they will need in college.

What is the difference between Pre-Advanced Placement (Pre-AP) and general education classes?

All Pre-Advanced Placement courses and general education courses are required to use Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS). The Pre-Advanced Placement courses are modified by adding depth, complexity and pacing. These courses specifically prepare students, especially those traditionally underrepresented, for the challenges offered by the Advanced Placement Program.

What does it mean to add depth, complexity and pacing?

Teachers and students may add depth and complexity through the modification of the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skill (TEKS) concept. The application of depth may be done through the language of the discipline; analyzing from the concrete to the abstract; extending content between and across disciplines through study of themes, problems, and issues; the exploration of details, patterns, trends, unanswered questions, rules and ethics. Complexity may be added through big ideas or generalizations, over time and different points of view. The depth and complexity attributes are primarily based on Dr. Sandra Kaplan’s work as well as Carol Ann Tomlinson’s research. Pacing is based on the ability to compact curriculum for learners or through their acquisition of knowledge. Thereby, allowing the teacher to maximize the opportunities for added depth and complexity.

If a student is interested in Pre-AP or AP, who should they contact?

Contact your school counselor or teacher.

How many Pre-AP or AP courses should a student take?

Mineral Wells ISD offers a variety of Pre-AP and AP courses at the secondary level. The number of courses a student should take rests on the ability of the student, their other obligations and their commitment to the course’s rigor.

Must a student be identified as gifted in order to participate in Pre-AP or AP?

No. Students who are willing to commit to substantial academic demand and willing to do the outside reading should consider Pre-AP and AP courses.

Additional Information:

For additional information regarding gifted and talented programs, contact your child’s teacher, counselor or principal. Additional information may be obtained by calling Patrice Trickey, District Gifted and Talented Coordinator, at (940) 325-6404 ext 5152 or e-mailing questions to ptrickey@mwisd.net.