Alvarado High School’sAP/Pre-AP Program – Junior High Form

DUE TO JH English teacher by Friday, February 5th

To the student and parent:

Decisions regarding placement into the Pre-Advanced Placement and Advanced Placement courses are often a difficult choice for the both the parent and student. These courses are designed to challenge motivated students and prepare them for college-level coursework while still in high school. PAP and AP courses are guided by the College Board – the same organization that creates and administers the SAT exams for college entrance; therefore, the PAP/AP student must be prepared for an increased academic rigor in these courses. Out of class work, research papers, homework, projects, additional writing assignments, reading, etc., will be required in all PAP and AP courses.

Profile of a Successful Pre-AP/AP Student

Successfully completes prerequisite coursework

Demonstrates successful performance in related content area course

Professes interest in the subject selected

Demonstrates excellent study skills and habits (including outside of class)

Carefully considers time commitments

Asks questions and participates in class

Perseveres when faced with challenging material

Plans and works ahead on long term projects

The purpose of the Pre-AP/AP entrance and exit guidelines is to provide placement information to ensure success in academically challenging courses.

Entrance Guidelines

Complete an application for entrance and meet the following criteria:

  1. 90 or better for prior coursework in subject area
  2. Must have AJH Subject TEACHER recommendation
  3. Parent and student acknowledgement of homework, time commitment, and guidelines, signed and turned in by the due date
  4. Pre-AP or AP subject teacher approval
  5. Pass the STAAR test for the subject

Exit Guidelines:

  1. Schedule changes will be allowed the first six weeks of school with the submission of a schedule change according to counseling center regulations.
  2. If a student does not maintain a 75 or better average (no weighted points considered) in the 1st or 2nd six weeks grading period, he/she will be placed on probation for the next six weeks. If the grade is NOT brought up to a 75 or above (no weighted points considered) in the next six weeks grading period, the student WILL BE moved into a regular course at semester.
  3. As long as a student is passing each six weeks with a 75 or above, there will be no schedule changes out of a PAP or AP course.
  4. Students will not be allowed to get out of a PreAP/AP class until semester and only then with Parent/Guardian and Teacher approval.

PreAP / Honors classes will be given a 10 point weighted gpa at semester. The extra ten points does not count for eligibility or for passing to get the credit. (can get a waiver once from Principal) It is only used for grade point average calculations. The ten points is not shown on the report card or transcript..

Students will sign up for the PreAP class and the Junior High teachers will be given a list of students to approve. By signing up for the class, it does not mean automatic acceptance. The teachers will rank the students and the high school teacher/department will determine how many can be accepted. Students will know if they have been accepted into the PreAP class when the schedule choices are given to them at the end of the school year.

Acknowledgment to PAP/AP course guidelines and regulations for : ______

Print Student Name

I have read the guidelines above and understand that there will be out of class assignments and a time commitment involved in taking this course. I understand and accept the entrance and exit guidelines.

Parent signature ______Date ______

Student signature ______Date ______