ADVANCED PLACEMENT SUMMER INSTITUTE COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

CALCULUS AB

The institute is designed to meet the needs of the beginning AP® Calculus teacher. This course will focus on the content and methodology appropriate for an AP® course. Teachers will investigate a multi-representational approach to calculus, including: symbolic, graphical, numeric and verbal. Resources for the teacher, such as: sample tests, worksheets, textbooks and review materials will be discussed, as well as the use of the graphing calculator. An analysis of the exams, scoring standards and procedures will be presented.

CHEMISTRY

The 5 day summer institute in AP® Chemistry is designed to meet the needs of beginning teachers by addressing means of presenting topics such as kinetics, equilibrium, thermodynamics, bonding, and equation writing in terms students will understand. Course sequencing, grading, lab selection, and AP® test preparation will also help prepare the new AP® Chemistry teacher to set up and conduct a quality course with confidence. This workshop has also proven beneficial to the experienced AP® Chemistry teacher as the sharing of different approaches and ideas can strengthen an established program. Ways to attract and keep students in the program will also be shared. The opportunity to meet with and exchange ideas on day-to-day activities, demos, projects, and class management strategies with other chemistry teachers is always a positive experience.

ENGLISH LANGUAGE & COMPOSITION

The workshop will explore approaches and strategies for teaching AP English language. Participants will develop individual assignments appropriate to various rhetorical and stylistic strategies. The structure and philosophy of AP Language Examination will be discussed and there will be exercises in holistic scoring of examination essays. Each participant should bring a favorite collection of non-fiction, and two or three issues of magazines, such as the New Yorker.

ENGLISH LITERATURE & COMPOSITION

This session explores the world of teaching AP® Literature and Composition, while at the same time providing a forum for sharing the best practices of the participants. Over the week, we will discuss the AP® program in general, particularly the upcoming AP® Audit. We will also examine different ideas about course organization and share best practices. Some of the areas we will cover will include passage analysis strategies, annotation skills, use of technology such as Power Point, creation of challenging evaluation tools for major works study, “boot camp” concentrated writing, style improvement, creative discussions, strategies for multiple choice testing, holistic scoring, and simulated AP® exam grading.

MUSIC THEORY

This course provides an introduction to the AP Music Theory course and examination for prospective or new teachers of that course. The overall goals of the five-day AP Music Theory workshop are:

• To offer an overview of the current content expectations of an AP Music Theory course
• To gain or deepen familiarity with the current format and grading of the AP Music Theory examination
• To offer help in designing a Course-Audit appropriate syllabus
• To examine various course structures, including issues of prerequisites, schedules, pacing, and the integration of aural and written theory skills
• To examine and discuss available printed and electronic teaching/learning resources.
• To share teaching techniques, lesson plans, and other means for more effective teaching/learning
• To review specific aspects of music theory covered in the examination, as suggested by the participants
• To discuss practical matters relating to starting and sustaining an AP Music Theory class
• To foster a mutually helpful network of experienced and newer AP Music Theory teachers.

STATISTICS

This workshop is for experienced as well as new teachers to AP Statistics.  The workshop will include at least two activities every day that could be used to apply the difficult concepts that are part of the course.  The workshop will also apply the technology using primarily the TI-84 along with Fathom and JumpIn computer software.

STUDIO ART

This course is a five day session that is designed for new and experienced teachers in the Visual Arts. The participants will become familiar with the content and requirements of the three portfolios offered by the College Board. Visuals from scored portfolios will be used as examples. The development of strategies and effective practices that directly impact and improve the portfolios is the focus.
Participants new to the portfolio format will develop syllabi and visual aids through collaboration with experienced teachers. Experienced teachers will develop visual aids and a short power point presentation (using AP Central). You will take home new ideas for lessons and journal assignments, learn new techniques, and meet your states professional development requirements.
Collaboration is beneficial and highly encouraged. Participants will be encouraged to refresh their thinking about optimizing the creative spirit in the classroom through reflecting on practices and sharing insights. Teachers should consider providing examples of best practices and visual examples of successful outcomes.

U.S. HISTORY

This workshop provides participants with an overview of the AP curriculum and the most recent exam. The revision of the AP US History curriculum and how it will affect the design and teaching of the course will be discussed, along with changes and trends in the exam.   The workshop will also discuss the selection of texts and supplemental materials, the creation and/or revision of syllabi, strategies for essay writing, the use of primary sources, and other best practices.

WORLD HISTORY

This workshop will include discussions and techniques covering the successful introduction and implementation of the AP "habits of mind" into the World History classroom. Emphasis will be on the five chronological periods covered in the AP World History course description. Activities, and presentations that work will cover the following: using creative lessons and activities to open the door to student confidence and AP success; writing a practical course syllabus for an accelerated block and/or a traditional school schedule; examining each of the released exams for improved test-taking strategies; improving student study skills; teaching effective essay-writing and critical-thinking skills needed for success on the AP test; and learning how to grade the three essays for maximum correlation with the AP test readers.