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2010-11
Intensive, Honors and AP Information
is Now Available
2010 Summer Work for Intensive, Honors & AP Classes
Summer assignments will be posted here for each class that requires it (not all do). Continue to check back here.
By submitting a contract, students are to assume they are enrolled in the course unless otherwise formally notified. Therefore, it is the student’s responsibility to make sure he/she is aware of what the requirements are related to all summer work that may be required even if he/she does not receive information that may be sent. Students who do not complete summer work will begin the class with a grade penalty and will not be allowed to drop. Specific details about how much summer work is worth should be found on the assignment sheet distributed by teachers.
Why Is a Contract Required?
Our philosophy is that we want to serve all our students, a portion of whom want to take more rigorous academic courses. Because of this, we are willing to offer AP, honors and intensive courses in place of other electives or support classes, but only if the courses can be filled and a commitment is made by the student to remain in the course the entire year. Because of this, parents and students are strongly advised to consider the student’s overall academic and after-school schedule (including work, extra-curricular activities, etc.) when signing up for multiple Intensive/Accelerated, Honors or AP classes. Parents and students should also take into account that an AP class is the equivalent of a COLLEGE level course.
What Is a Weighted GPA?
Recognizing that AP and Honors courses are more difficult, we want students to challenge themselves without being at a disadvantage in terms of their GPA. One way to do this is to offer a weighted grade system which is recognized by 4-year colleges. In this system, each letter grade is worth an additional point (A = 5pts, B = 4 pts and a C = 3 pts) when it comes to calculating the GPA. It should be noted that the weighted grade system only applies to Honors and AP classes (not Intensive/Accelerated courses).
What If the Class is Too Challenging?
If the class becomes challenging, students should make use of the time during the SGI or after school to meet with the teacher to receive help, and review test scores and previous work to identify areas for improvement. By signing this contract, the student is making a commitment to stay in the class and take advantage of this support. Students will NOT be allowed to drop at the beginning of the school year or part way through the semester even if the grade falls below a C. Only in cases where the student has earned a final semester grade of a D or F, and with teacher approval will students be allowed to drop.
Other Information
- While the length of time it takes for students to complete outside work for an individual class varies, students should plan for at the very least 45+ minutes of homework a day (not every other day).
- Preparation for and active participation in small and large group discussions is mandatory.
- In any of the Accelerated/Intensive, Honors and AP English classes, students will be required to write frequently and to fully engage in the writing process, which involves word-processing all essays. Challenging independent reading selections will also be required from a list of advanced level books.
- Students should speak to the teacher of the course or their counselor if having access to any required materials (ie. a graphing calculator for math or science classes, a computer to word process, etc) is a problem.
Do Students Have To Take the AP exam?
Each AP class is designed to prepare students for the College Board AP Exams given in May. Students are strongly encouraged to take the exam, but the exam is not required as part of the course. And performing poorly on it in no way impacts your admission into colleges. The exams currently cost about $75 each, but fee waivers are available. Contact your counselor for further information.
When Are the AP Exams?
Check out the College Board AP Exam Calendar for dates when each AP test is given as well as preparation tips, and sample tests.
Why should students take an honors or AP class?
- To boost the GPA! Students can actually earn a GPA higher than a 4.0 if they earn straight A’s in general education and AP and Honors classes.
- Students typically enjoy the academic environment of being with peers who very much want to be in the class with a focus on learning by all who are there.
- Studies conducted by the College Board indicate that students who take AP classes are far more prepared for the next stage of their academic career and are more likely to be successful in college classes and complete college in four years.
- Having Honors or AP classes on transcripts increases the chances for admission to a student’s college of choice as well as earning academic scholarships.
- Each AP class offers an AP exam which if passed, typically waives the required equivalent at the college level.
- Students who pass 5-6 AP Exams during the time they are at Harbor not only meet high school graduation requirements, but in effect, complete a semester of college which can be significantly cost saving.
- Taking AP classes increases the chance of students placed in required higher level classes at the college level in subject areas that are sequential like math, science and English without having to take the lower levels that lead there.
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