Growth for Every StudentAlcott College Prep

Open HouseNovember 1st, 2014

Jade Sipic – Instructional Coach

Overview of 4 year curriculum at Alcott College PrepDept Freshman Sophomor

eJunior Senior

English English I English IIAP English Language

AP English Literature

MathAlgebra

(Double Period)Geometry Algebra II

Precalculus or AP Statistics

Science Biology Chemistry Physics AP Biology

Social Science

World Studies US History Civics AP Psychology

Phys Ed PE I/HealthPE II/Drivers

EdJunior

LeadershipSenior

Leadership

Fine ArtsArt I

General Music

Mixed MediaBeginning

ChorusAP Studio Art

World Language

French ISpanish I

French IISpanish II

Electives ACT Prep College Knowledge

AP Capstone AP Seminar AP Research

What is AP Capstone?AP Capstone is built on the foundation of a new, two-

course high school sequence—AP® Seminar and AP Research

Designed to complement and enhance the in-depth discipline-specific study provided through AP courses

Cultivates curious, independent, and collaborative scholars and prepares them to make logical and evidence-based decisions

Designed to equip students with the independent research, collaborative teamwork, and communication skills that are increasingly valued by colleges

AP Capstone - Combining Scholarly Practice with Academic IntensityAP Capstone was developed in response to feedback

from higher education. The two AP Capstone courses complement the rigor of AP courses and exams by challenging students to:Think critically and creatively to construct meaning or

gain understanding Plan and conduct a study or investigation Propose solutions to real-world problems Plan and produce communication in various forms Collaborate to solve a problem Integrate, synthesize, and make cross-curricular

connections

Student Benefits of AP CapstoneFosters the critical and creative thinking,

argumentation, and research skills at the core of college readiness and essential for lifelong learning

Provides a setting to build on the knowledge and rigorous course work of AP in an interdisciplinary format

Offers a unique opportunity to distinguish oneself to colleges and universities

AP vs IBAdvanced Placement International

Baccalaureate Flexible – can choose

which courses and which AP exams to take

Actual College Content – Gage how well your are prepared for post-secondary

GPA – On a 6 point scale rather than a 4 point

More successful in Chicago Public Schools

Rigid – must follow set course sequence and exam schedule to obtain diploma

Accelerated High School Content – Same content as most regular HS classes

GPA – On a 5 point scale rather than a 4 point

Newer – few students taking exams

EPAS – Growth for Every StudentEPAS = Educational and Planning

Assessment SystemExplore = FreshmenPlan = SophomoresACT = JuniorsWork on attainment, but focus on

individual growth

EPAS – Growth for Every StudentOur students grow, on average, more than a

point a yearOur students experience 2 POINTS growth

between Plan and ACTPractice exams – 3 per year with growth goal-

setting activities after each oneACT Prep class junior yearOn-site ACT Prep class for juniors after

school and on Saturday