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Course Descriptions

Classes may require participant computers to access Instructor curriculum on USB. Check the WHAT TO BRING in the course descriptions below.  NOTE: If you wish to have hard copies of the instructor’s curriculum, you have the option of downloading and printing the USB delivered curriculum prior to Institute.

PreAP courses provide teachers with strategies and tools to engage students in learning that encourages critical thinking for success in AP® courses.

NEW TEACHER courses are designed for teachers with three or less years of experience teaching the AP® or PreAP® course or those newly assigned to teach the course.

EXPERIENCED TEACHER courses are for those secondary teachers who have taught the AP® or PreAP® course for more than three years.

COMBINED courses  are open to teachers of all experience levels.

Week 1
July 20 – July 23
Week 2
July 27 – 30
AP® Biology (new teachers) AP® Calculus AB (new teachers)
AP® Calculus AB (experienced teachers) AP® Chemistry (experienced teachers)
AP® Chemistry (new teachers) AP® Computer Science A (new teachers)
AP® English Language & Composition (new teachers) AP® English Language & Composition (experienced teachers)
AP® Physics 1 (combined) AP® English Literature & Composition (experienced teachers)
AP® Spanish Literature & Culture (combined) AP® English Literature & Composition (new teachers)
AP® U.S. History (combined teachers) AP® Human Geography (combined)
AP® World History (new teachers) AP® Physics 2 (combined)
Pre AP® English MS (combined) AP® Spanish Language & Culture (combined)
AP® Studio Art (combined)
AP® US Government & Politics
AP® World History (experienced teachers)
Pre AP® Chemistry (combined)
Pre AP® Math HS (combined)
Pre AP® Math MS (combined)

WEEK 1

AP® Biology (new teachers) – Mark Adame
Biography
Over the course of the Summer Institute, new and experienced teachers alike will become familiar with the new and revised AP Biology course syllabus, as described in College Boards course description publication. This will include various strategies and hands-on activities that may help both students and teachers alike to become more comfortable with the new AP Biology curriculum. In addition to these strategies, teachers will become familiar with the inquiry-based approach to laboratory investigations.

APSI AP Biology Course Objectives: To introduce teachers to (and become familiar with):
• An AP Biology course and the exam
• Writing an AP Biology Course Syllabus
• The more difficult concepts in AP Biology
• How to write a Free Response, response
• Inquiry-Based Laboratories and laboratory write-ups
• The concepts of AP Vertical Teams and Pre-AP Biology
• AP Biology textbooks and multimedia resources
• Teaching strategies for under-prepared and prepared AP Biology students

What To Bring:
• Note taking materials
• Laptop

∗NOTE: Biology teachers must follow the University’s lab safety rules by wearing closed-toe shoes (no sandals), long pants or skirts, and goggles during all lab activities.  Please bring goggles.

AP® Calculus AB (experienced teachers) – Stacey McMullen
Biography
AB Calculus is a course designed for teachers who would like teaching strategies, methods and materials on how to prepare students for success in Advanced Placement Calculus. During this week, participants will learn how to introduce challenging concepts utilizing a variety of activities, incorporate the new pedagogy and topics of the Advanced Placement program into their curriculum, and integrate technology and the internet for a more interactive classroom. In addition, teachers will collaborate together on discovery lessons, learn techniques to assist those students who are underprepared, and play teacher-made games to emphasize retention of the calculus. Two major themes, rigor in the classroom and student thinking, will be stressed and modeled all week.

What To Bring:
• Jump drive
• Note taking materials
• Laptop
• Most importantly, your energy and enthusiasm to participate in this fun-filled learning experience!

AP® Chemistry (new teachers)– Janice Willingham:
Biography

This workshop is designed for teachers who are beginning their careers as AP Chemistry teachers.  Time will be spent during the sessions on the nature of the AP program and on structuring an AP Chemistry course.  Many labs are discussed and teachers are given an opportunity to do a number of typical labs appropriate for AP Chemistry. Topics that are often covered are teaching and testing techniques, periodicity, bonding, states of matter, kinetics, equilibrium, instrumentation, equations and product prediction, thermodynamics, and electrochemistry.  The workshop makes considerable use of the graphing calculator and the CBL as a data collection device. Typical AP problems and essays are discussed, and strategies for enabling students to perform well on the AP exam will be shared.

What To Bring:
•  30 copies of your  favorite demo and/or experiment to share with fellow participants
• Goggles and appropriate shoe attire for lab experiments
• Note taking materials

∗NOTE: Chemistry teachers must follow the University’s lab safety rules by wearing closed-toe shoes (no sandals), long pants or skirts, and goggles during all lab activities. 

AP® English Language & Composition  – Patricia Cain
Biography

This course is designed to give teachers multiple opportunities to explore various texts and strategies in order to teach students close reading skills, rhetorical analysis, argument, and synthesis. The course’s objectives and the choice of texts/authors are drawn from the AP Course Description published by College Board. Emphasis will be placed on using multiple innovative methods of instruction, including hands-on, interactive lessons proven effective in the classroom and that align directly with AP curriculum and college readiness.

In addition, participants will experience a simulated reading of the 2018 AP English Language and Composition free response questions, using the College Board released anchor essays. The course will also include a review of the course description and objectives as well as the development of a course syllabus to complete the required Audit.

What To Bring:
• Fully charged electronic device (tablet/iPad/laptop)
• Sticky notes, and high-lighters
• Though much of the instruction will be digital, please bring a binder for paper copies.

AP® Physics 1 (combined) – Barbara Watson
Biography

Course Description:        

  • What do the AP Physics Readers look for and what would they tell AP teachers?
  • Why does the AP Physics Exam allow a calculator on all parts when it seems it wasn’t really used much on the exam?
  • How can an AP Physics teacher deliver a course that will prepare students to reason and write about the physics they understand as opposed to teaching kids to recognize specific problem styles, given information and crank out the RIGHT numerical answer?
  • How do I start/build up an AP Physics course in my first few years?

This workshop will address these questions and more, focusing on topics and teaching strategies that will help you clearly understand and implement an AP Physics 1 course. Whether you are transitioning from your current program, or improving the AP Physics 1 program you already have, participants will learn:

  • to develop an AP Physics 1 syllabus to pass the AP Audit.
  • the art of the inquiry lab in many strategic topics
  • strategies and tips for converting current labs and problems into that inquiry style that will be necessary to prepare for the AP Physics 1 exam
  • the structure of the AP Physics 1 Exam and how to grade a mock exam
  • teaching tactics for high retention of conceptual concepts
  • specific content instruction on many challenging topics including rotation, torque and angular momentum

Topics will include the following: Linear and rotational kinematics and dynamics, energy, simple harmonic motion, mechanical waves and sound, electrostatics and simple circuits

In addition to AP Physics 1, Mrs. Watson teaches both AP Physics 2 and AP Physics C: Mechanics and E-Mag. While this institute will not be focused on these other courses, she is happy to answer questions and share ideas for AP Physics 2 and AP Physics C as time allows for teachers who are teaching multiple AP Preps.

What to Bring:
Please plan to bring your laptop and smart phone along as we will use them every day.
• Notetaking materials

AP® Spanish Literature & Culture (combined) – Marisa Pérez-Bernardo
Biography

This summer institute will familiarize participants with the AP Spanish Literature and Culture course and examination. This AP Spanish literature and Culture workshop will provide you with strategies, resources, and activities for teaching an effective AP course.

In this APSI you will:

  • Explore Spanish, Latin-American, and U.S. Latino authors and their works from the medieval period to present day.
  • Make thematic connections between texts of various genres and historical periods.
  • Make interdisciplinary connections to the literature of the Spanish-Speaking world through art, film, history, and other academic disciplines.
  • Examine Spanish literature within the contexts of its time and place.
  • Analyze different AP Spanish Literature and Culture exams.
  • Create a syllabus for the AP Spanish Literature and Culture course.
  • Create a lesson plan for the next academic year.

What To Bring:
• Note taking materials
• Laptop for electronic curriculum

AP® U.S. History (combined teachers) – Matt Cone
Biography
This course is designed to help teachers build a successful AP US history program.  The course will begin with “nuts and bolts” considerations like tackling the exam, understanding the curriculum framework, and pacing the course.  From there, the course will address building skills for AP US History, including writing skills, critical thinking skills, and document analysis skills.  Teachers are encouraged to bring a laptop computer or web-enabled device for use during collaborative activities.

What to Bring
•  Note taking materials
•  Computer

AP® World History (new teachers) – Paul Philp
Biography
USB curriculum can be downloaded

4Day AP World History Workshop Agenda:

Day 1
 1 hour Introduction: Changes in World History
Understanding the Course
.30 minutes Introduction:  Roll Playing – Enrolling in AP World History
2 hours Lesson 3:  Understanding the Thematic Learning Objectives & Key Concepts
1 hour Lesson 2:  Developing and Mastering Student Understanding
1.5 hours Lesson 1:  Historical Thinking Skills and the AP World History course
Planning Your Course
2 hours Lesson 4:  Analyzing Historical Sources and Evidence – Primary Sources
DAY 2
Historical Thinking Skills
1.5 hours Lesson 5: Analyzing Historical Sources and Evidence – Secondary Sources
1.5 hours Lesson 6:  Chronological Reasoning, Causation, Change and Continuity over Time
2.5 hours Lesson 7:  Making Historical Connections – Comparison and Contextualization
2 hours Lesson 8:  Argument Development
DAY 3
2 hours Lesson 10:  Selecting Resources to Support Teaching AP World History
2 hours Lesson 11:  Strategies for Teaching AP World History
1.5 hours Lesson 9: Sequencing Your Course
Teaching the AP World History Course
2 hours Lesson 12:  Planning Your Course
DAY 4
4 hours Lesson 13:  Assessing Student Understanding
Curricular Requirements and Syllabus Development
2 hours Lesson 15:  Unit Development (Graduate Credit or Makeup Hours)
1.5 hours Lesson 14:  Curricular Requirements and Syllabus Development

APSI Special Historical Focus:   In the summer of 2018, the focus will be Latin America.

Learning Goals:  Teachers will be able to…
1.  Explain how the historical thinking skills tie the course together.
2.  Explain how the parts of the curriculum framework fit together and complement one another.
3.  Explain the scope of the course.
4.  Explain the themes of AP World History and explain how the thematic learning objectives define what students should know and be able to do by the end of the AP World History course
5.  Explain how student understanding will be assessed on the exam.
6.  Explain the rubrics for the free-response questions and applying them to students’ responses.
7.  Describe the Instructional Planning Report and evaluate the information in order to improve instruction.
8.  Explain and apply the historical thinking skills.
9.  Utilize effective instructional strategies to develop historical thinking skills and content knowledge.
10. Apply their knowledge of content and pedagogy to build a unit of instruction.
11. Align instruction and assessment, as well as instruction and the learning objectives.
12. Assess student understanding and providing feedback.
13. Implement the curricular requirements and include them in their syllabi.
14.  Describe available resources and how to use them in class.
15.  Explain how students demonstrate understanding.
16.  Sequence their courses to scaffold concepts and historical thinking skills.
17. Explain the value of including all students in AP.
18. Describe the equity and access policy and how they can implement it in their classrooms.
19. Identify the supports available to teach the AP World History course.

What to bring:
•  Post-it notes or flags
•  highlighters
•  Computer for electronic curriculum

Pre AP® English M.S. – Kristina Janeway
Biography

Course members will participate in Pre-AP and AP strategies through hands-on activities for all aspects of English/Language Arts through a variety of mini-lessons that include analysis, grammar, writing, research, technology, and projects. Teachers will discover techniques to implement varied sentence structures into student writing by understanding the basic concepts of syntactical and diction analysis. Teachers will uncover methods for students in mastery of writing and analysis techniques in addition to integrating different technology applications into their courses. The APSI is designed to assist teachers through interactive applications of concepts as well as sample lessons to assist in implementation. Teachers will have the opportunity during training to adapt and integrate of these strategies into existing scopes and sequences as well as individual lesson plans.

What to bring:
• Computer for electronic curriculum
• List of all reading selections taught
• Copy of your school/department scope and sequence as well as standards
• Note taking supplies
• 8G flash drive for digital files
• Lesson plan book or lesson plan

WEEK 2

AP® Calculus AB (new teachers) – Scott Pass
Biography

The goal of this seminar is to prepare teachers to teach AP Calculus AB so their students can be successful on the AP Calculus Exam. This course will introduce various aspects of the AP Calculus Framework by showing how a reformed curriculum emphasizing the graphical, numerical, verbal and symbolic representations of calculus can enhance the learning of calculus. Participants will explore connections between topics in Calculus by looking at broad themes related to AP Calculus. For instance the idea of “straightening curves” by investigating the theme of Local Linearity, the idea of “area functions” by exploring the theme of the integral as an accumulation function and the ideas associated with motion of a particle with the theme of the definite integral as a net change of a quantity. In addition to specific topics participants will discuss issues related to the AP® Calculus Exam including; the use of technology on the exam, the scoring of the exam, and use of exam questions in an AP Calculus course.

What to bring:
• graphing calculators,
• Note taking materials
• laptops and be prepared to share ideas and/or lessons that have effectively prepared students for the AP Calculus Exam.

AP® Chemistry (experienced teachers) – Thomas Dortch
Biography

This summer institute will focus on developing a strong, successful AP Chemistry program based on the new AP Chemistry Curriculum.  This course will provide differentiated classroom strategies, best practices, emphasis on guided inquiry labs, and focus on improving our assessments to align with the new curriculum framework.  

Tentative Institute Schedule
Monday

  • Introductions
  • Course and AP Exam Overview
  • Coulomb’s Law
  • PES
  • Mass Spectroscopy
  • Spectroscopy and Beer’s Law
  • Recommended Inquiry Lab 1 and Lab 2

Tuesday

  • Kinetics
  • Equilibrium
  • Crystal Violet Lab
  • Equilibrium Constant Lab
  • Summative Assessments

Wednesday

  • Thermochemistry
  • Electrochemistry
  • Hot Hands Lab
  • Dissolution of Urea Lab
  • Electrolysis Lab

Thursday

  • Acids/Bases
  • Molar Mass of an Unknown Acid Lab
  • AP Chemistry Exam
  • Assessment
  • Wrap-Up

What to Bring
• 
A scientific calculator
•  Laboratory attire (closed-toe shoes, goggles)
•  Pen and Paper
•  Copies of your Unit Exams!!!
•  Computer

∗NOTE: Chemistry teachers must follow the University’s lab safety rules by wearing closed-toe shoes (no sandals), long pants or skirts, and goggles during all lab activities.

AP® Computer Science A (new teachers) – Travis Burton
Biography

This course is designed to expand the knowledge of both new and experienced AP Computer Science A (APCS A) teachers.  It will focus on the required course content, available resources, and teaching strategies for use in the APCS A classroom.  Additionally, participants will receive information about the structure of the APCS A exam, the APCS A Course Description, and the APCS A Reading.

This workshop will focus on the recommended APCS A Labs, along with other difficult APCS A concepts.  Participants will engage in the hands-on activities and discuss options of how to best implement them in the classroom.  Opportunities to engage in hands-on activities involving traversing arrays and Lists, String processing, and recursion will be provided.

What To Bring:
• Note taking materials

AP® English Language & Composition (experienced teachers) – Brook Bullock
Biography

Designed for the English instructor seeking to learn or improve teaching strategies pertinent to AP English Language, this course will focus on preparing students for the national exam but have an emphasis on application to the rhetorical situations present in communications “of the real world” so that students may also become critical thinkers “beyond the classroom” as well. Participants will leave the institute with lessons and strategies they can immediately incorporate into their curriculum.

Topics will utilize examples from fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and drama with an overall emphasis on improving students’ close reading/analysis skills and improving the syntactical maturity of students’ writing. Possible APSI discussion topics include:

  • Developing an AP English Language course as part of an effective Vertical Team
  • Improving close/ reading, critical thinking, and rhetorical/language analysis
  • Improving students’ writing through their ability to read and analyze complex text
  • Introducing/Improving Argumentative Writing (for the Eng Lang & Comp Exam)
  • Classroom Discussion methods and Student Annotation methods
  • Utilizing multiple genres in the AP English Lang & Comp classroom
  • Utilizing high-interest non-fiction (including images and video as rhetorical text)
  • Computer lab time for lesson planning, enrichment pieces, and application
  • Practical methods for preparing students for the Multiple Choice and Free Response sections of the AP English Lang & Comp exam
  • A study of 2015 AP English Language free response questions with sample student responses for each participant and discussion of using those samples for instructional purposes

What to Bring
• 
Computer
•  Writing tools, writing supplies, and note-taking resources (pens, pencils, highlighters, sticky-notes, etc, plus notebook paper, legal pad, or a writing journal).
•  A paper or electronic copy of the AP English Course Description available as .pdf download at the AP Central website.
• A list of required curricular pieces (novels, short stories, poetry, etc) for the AP or PreAP course(s) taught, as well as those of your vertical team, if possible.
• Two copies of a short, non-fiction selection (letter, article, brief essay, graphic, etc) that you would like to use in your class

AP® English Literature & Comp. (experienced teachers) – Joyce Herr
Biography

This week long APSI is designed for experienced AP® English Literature and Composition teachers. During our summer conversation, we will spend time discussing what students must know to succeed on the national exam as well as proven techniques which will help them apply critical thinking to the tasks of the course. The course requires students to be able to read and think critically and then write clearly about specific passages. We will review the 2017 national exam, past exams and discuss what makes a “qualifying” essay.  A specific focus will be moving those “2” scores to “3” and “fixing the 4 essay”.

We will work with each of the principal areas of the Literature exam—the multiple-choice questions, poetry essay, prose essay, and “open” essay—and discuss different ways to prepare our students with the skills they will need on the AP test. We will collaborate on strategies, practice test-taking, analyze readings and share best practices. We will also discuss the scoring process for the test and review the current resources available. You will have the chance to tweak your syllabus and lesson plans, and learn new strategies for teaching students at beginning and intermediate levels. This is a wonderful opportunity to exchange ideas and information with your peers, and to become a member of an engaged and diverse learning community. Teachers are encouraged to bring their own best practices to discuss as well as their concerns about teaching this course.

OBJECTIVES. APSI English Literature and Composition Participants Will:

  • Review the AP English Literature & Composition exam in order to understand its structure and content
  • Analyze exam structure and content to delineate broader learning objectives and key ELA skills; identify tasks and materials for which students may need greater preparation
  • Expand their knowledge of print and electronic resources for the AP English Literature and Composition Course
  • Expand their repertoires of successful teaching methods and activities
  • Learn how to assess student performance more effectively
  • Explore the relationship between curriculum and exam to facilitate closer alignment of instruction with the goals of the AP Course
  • Understand the College Board mission of Access and Equity; consider how to make equitable access a guiding principle when designing instruction
  • Develop a deeper understanding of instructional design by exploring factors that influence design
  • Enhance their AP English Literature syllabi and instruction (depending on experience) to meet the curricular requirements of the course

What to Bring
•  Post-it notes or flags
•  3 different colored highlighters
• Current syllabus or the one you will be using
•  Computer

AP® English Literature & Comp. (new teachers) – Judith Nevil
Biography

This four-day workshop will provide an overview of an AP Literature and Composition class based on College Board guidelines and objectives with an emphasis on strategies for reading and analyzing fictional texts through oral discussions and written responses. Using contemporary and classic texts, participants will explore a variety of instructional strategies for reading and analyzing poetry and prose passages. They will examine course and syllabi design, the AP exam, works of literary merit, novel openings, and effective writing strategies. Participants will explore literary theories and archetypes as an approach to reading literature, develop a thematic unit, and participate in engaging activities. They will compare various genres, literary themes, and author techniques with an emphasis on ways to help students effectively incorporate such strategies in their approach to interpreting and evaluating literature. Throughout the institute, the focus will be less about what to teach and more about how to teach students to read, analyze, and write effectively, confidently, and independently. Laptops are required for electronic curriculum.

Daily Agenda:

Day 1: Morning: College Board/AP Central/Equity & Access

Day 1: Afternoon: AP Literature & Composition Exam

  • AP Central/Syllabus/AP Audit
  • AP Literature and Composition Exam
  • Teacher Resources
  • Reading and Scoring AP Essays
  • Critical Reading, Thinking, Questioning, Visualizing

Day 2: Morning: The Power of Words—Poetry

Day 2: Afternoon: The Power of Words–Prose

  • Strategies for Reading, Analyzing, Interpreting, Writing
  • Book Talks/Chats

Day 3: Morning: Strategies That Work—Reading/Writing

  • Critical Reading/Closing Reading/Why Read
  • Critical Writing/Why Write

Day 3: Afternoon: Strategies That Work—Thinking, Questioning, Discussing

  • Developing and Practicing Critical Classroom Strategies

Day 4: Morning: Thematic Units

  • Defining a Theme Unit
  • How and Why I Teach. . . .

Day 4: Afternoon: Developing a Thematic Unit

  • Connecting the Pieces
  • Presentations/Gallery Walk
  • Reflection and Evaluation

Topics will be added upon request, but the above topics will receive in-depth attention.

Participants need to bring the following and read the following works:

  • Laptop or I-Pad if available
  • USB Flash Drive
  • Notebook
  • Syllabus Plan
  • Best Practice Ideas to Share
  • Bring novel or play you plan to teach

Read or be familiar with the following works:
Othello, Macbeth, and King Lear, A Doll’s House, The Glass Menagerie, Pygmalion, Frankenstein, Nineteen Eighty Four, Wuthering Heights,    Tess of the d’Urbervilles, Ethan Frome, The Awakening, Metamorphosis, The Stranger, The Trial

AP®Human Geography (combined) – Susan Hollier
Biography

This course will focus on helping teachers prepare to teach an AP Human Geography class . Employing a blend of content presentations, effective teaching strategies, and technology, the Institute will provide an overview of the systematic study of patterns and processes that have shaped human understanding, use, and alteration of Earth’s surface. In addition, strategies to help students prepare for the writing rigor of AP classes will be addressed. All materials are updated for 2018.
Emphasis:

  • The role literature plays in the geography classroom
  • Using current events daily to strengthen critical-level thinking
  • Strategies to create an exciting, innovative classroom atmosphere
  • Incorporating writing methods that actually improve students’ skills
  • Tapping your local resources to bring the world into your classroom

What To Bring:
• Note taking materials
• Laptop for electronic curriculum

AP® Physics 2 (combined) – Barbara Watson
Biography

In this workshop we will focus on topics and teaching strategies that will help you make that jump into AP Physics 2 from your current program, or improve the AP Physics 2 program you already have. Participants will learn:

•  to develop an AP Physics 2 syllabus to pass the AP audit
•  the art of the inquiry lab in many strategic topics
•  strategies and tips for converting current labs and problems into that inquiry style that will be necessary to prepare for the AP Physics 2 exam
•  the structure of the AP Physics 2 Exam and how to grade a mock exam
•  tactics for high retention like quick writes, white boarding, and peer critique
•  specific content instruction on many challenging topics including electrical circuits with capacitors, electromagnetism, quantum, atomic and nuclear physics.

What To Bring:
• laptop,
• flash drive and
• some good ideas to share!

AP® Spanish Language & Culture (combined) – Amalia Gensman
Biography
USB curriculum can be downloaded

This institute is especially designed for both new and experienced AP Spanish Language teachers and those who are interested in teaching the AP Spanish Language & Culture course at their schools. A broad range of topics is included so that the teacher will be prepared to offer the course with confidence. During these four days, participants will look at how to create an AP Spanish Language and Culture Program or expand on an existing one. Teachers will receive information and strategies to help students be successful when taking the Advanced Placement Examination.

Institute Goals

  • To discuss and examine curriculum and strategies for developing advanced proficiency in the language skills of speaking, listening, reading, writing and cultural knowledge
  • To familiarize participants with the format, administration and scoring of the AP Spanish Language & Culture Exam
  • To provide suggested activities emulating the various sections of the AP Spanish Language & Culture Exam and in evaluating the free-response sections using actual rubrics and student samples from this year’s Exam (or last year’s Exam whatever the case)
  • To discuss, demonstrate and use technology to enhance instruction
  • To share participant ideas and teaching and create material to be used in the classroom
  • To discuss and examine appropriate instruction materials (texts, video, audio, websites, etc.) with an emphasis on authentic materials and integration of language skills
  • To improve the participant’s language proficiency by communicating in Spanish as much as possible during the Institute
  • To discuss ideas for integration of vertical teaming (when applicable)

Institute Objectives

During the course, the participant will:

  • Become thoroughly familiar with the Course’s Curricular Thematic Units as reflected in the   various sections of the Exam
  • Become thoroughly familiar with the various sections of the Exam
  • Reflect on and discuss teaching methodology appropriate to an AP Spanish Language & Culture Course
  • Familiarize him/herself with a wide range of strategies, activities and materials appropriate to teaching AP Spanish Language & Culture
  • Design or Refine detailed AP Spanish Language & Culture activities to be used the following year (Participant will share their favorite activity and/or create activities)
  • Examine and evaluate a variety of print, audiovisual and electronic resources available for use in class and for reference and independent study
  • Learn how the Exam is scored and experience scoring student samples from the most recent AP Reading using actual rubrics

What to Bring:
• A “Material Pack” will be provided in a USB Flash, you will need to bring a laptop computer to use in the classroom as well as binder for printed material.

AP® Studio Art – Charlotte Chambliss
Biography

This four-day institute will provide an overview of the AP Studio Art program and the three Studio Art exams – 2-D Design; 3-D Design; and, Drawing. Participants will be guided through comprehensive discussions of the three components comprising each portfolio and examine the distinctions that exist between the Drawing and 2-D Design courses. Other topics of discussion will include:  a review of the scoring process and scoring guidelines (rubrics); strategies for developing work for both the Breadth and Concentration sections of the three portfolios; Pre-AP strategies and the development of a vertically aligned curriculum to strengthen the AP classes; and strategies for individual and class critiques.  Throughout the workshop participants will be given the opportunity to view sample portfolios that illustrate the multiple approaches that might be taken in developing the classes or in strengthening existing courses.

Participants will be encouraged to share best practices and lessons they have developed for their students and unique teaching situations.

Some time will be spent on hands-on studio activities that may be adapted for use in both Pre-AP and AP classes.

What to Bring
• While it is not necessary to bring laptops to this course, if you are a digital artist, you may like to have it for studio purposes.
• Additionally, while basic supplies will be provided, if you have preferred tools and media you like to work with, you may want to bring those.

AP® U.S. Government & Politics (combined) – Lori Dumerer
Biography

Participants will have an opportunity to examine and analyze the structure of the redesigned AP US Government course the exam for which will be administered May 2019. During the week, participants focus on the content and pedagogy necessary for developing an academically rigorous course. Discussions will include strategies for improving student success in critical reading, writing, and performance on the exam, as well as, the content necessary to create an engaging and successful course. This institute will be an active learning environment. A number of the strategies will engage the attendees in the demonstrations. With the mixed session, some differentiation will be provided to meet the needs of both new and experienced government teachers. Participants will examine political science models used at the college level to explain government. Samples of some student work will be available to review.  Topics will include the following as set forth in the AP Course guide:  Constitutional Democracy, Civil Right, Civil Liberties, American Political Culture and Beliefs, Political Participation, and Interaction among Branches. Additionally, we will review the required Foundational Documents and Supreme Court Cases for the redesign. The development of critical thinking skills, document and data analysis, and writing skills will be stressed as writing will be a component of the redesigned exam which will have a quantitative analysis FRQ. During the week, the group will examine classroom resources, textbooks, and online multi-media resources. Since all will be required to submit a new syllabus because of the new curriculum, we will explore the elements needed to be successful in its development.  Participants should bring Post-it notes or flags, highlighters, a jump drive, and possibly a digital copy of a best practices strategy or lesson to share during the week.  Interested parties may contact Mrs. Dumerer at dumererl@cfbisd.edu for additional information.

What to Bring
•  Post-it notes or flags
•  highlighters
•  computer for electronic curriculum

AP® World History ( experienced teachers) – Christine Bond
Biography

This week will consist of a mix of pedagogy and content all focused on the successful implementation of the Advanced Placement World History course. We will focus on the writing and the analytical skills needed for the course as well as the curriculum framework.  The week will focus on numerous lesson plans and strategies for balancing the content of the curriculum with the historical reasoning skills needed for the exam.  Participants are encouraged to bring a flash drive (at least 16 gigs) or a laptop; they will receive numerous resources.

Course Syllabus:
Day 1-Introductions/AP History Practices and Skills /Understanding the Structure of the Course Framework/Reading Comprehension activity (Inner outer circle)/Historical Reasoning Skill of Comparison (Comparison Activity) HOMEWORK-Bring your favorite primary and secondary source.

Day 2-Analyzing Primary and Secondary Sources/Writing Thesis Statements and the Document Based Question! Multiple Choice and writing our own Multiple Choice questions and mini-DBQ’s!  Historical Skill of Change and Continuity. HOMEWORK-Bring your favorite Political Cartoon!

Day 3-The Short Answer Question/Long Essay Question/ Historical Thinking Skill of Causation and Argument Development. Review samples from the 2018 exam. HOMEWORK-Bring your favorite lesson!

Day 4-Bringing Skills and Content! Share Best Practices and lessons!!

What to Bring:
• Note taking materials
• Laptop or 16 gig flashdrive for materials

Pre AP® Chemistry (combined)∗ – Todd Abronowitz
Biography

The focus will be on developing teaching strategies to create a learning environment for student success on concepts needed for rigorous science courses. Emphasis will be on the rigor needed to learn what is necessary to be successful on the AP Chemistry exam. Time will be allowed for sharing best practices, for discussion of concepts in the course, and for laboratory experiments. The latter will include methods for determination of molar masses, titrations, ionic reactions, etc. The material covered (and the sequence) will be determined by the needs of the group as a whole, based on the results of a survey emailed before the conference.

Topics may include the following:

  • An overview of the AP program and the AP Chemistry exam
  • Appropriate scope and sequence
  • Differentiation between AP and Pre-AP courses
  • Recruitment of students into Pre-AP Chemistry
  • Multiple-choice strategies
  • Reaction predictions
  • Atomic structure and periodicity
  • Bonding and VSEPR
  • Gas laws
  • Nuclear chemistry (and relationship to kinetics)
  • Stoichiometry

What to bring:
Goggles
• Apron or lab coat
• Closed-toe shoes
• Calculator
Device with a USB port

What participants will take with them?
• Access to everything developed for Pre-AP Chemistry by the lead consultant

∗NOTE: Chemistry teachers must follow the University’s lab safety rules by wearing closed-toe shoes (no sandals), long pants or skirts, and goggles during all lab activities.

Pre AP® Math HS (combined)- Donna Speer
Biography

This course is designed to help teachers incorporate AP/Pre-AP strategies and concepts into their math curriculum. It will emphasize math topics such as: accumulation, area, coordinate geometry, functions, limits, optimization, sequences and series, rate of change, probability and statistics and how these topics can be appropriately included in different math courses. There will be a variety of teaching strategies including activities, projects, alternative assessments, graphing calculators, CBLs, and internet. Participants will discuss Pre-AP philosophy, resources, vertical teaming, AP exams and grading and how to get support from parents, and administrators.

What to Bring:
• Participants are encouraged to bring their graphing calculator if they have one
• Note taking materials
• Laptop, and
• A best lesson or activity to share

Pre AP® Math MS (combined) – Kathy Heller
Biography

This course is designed to help middle school teachers strengthen their existing Pre-AP teaching strategies as well as introduce new methodologies and activities into the curriculum. Participants will explore a variety of topics appropriate for the Pre-AP student at the middle school level.  Activities will be hands-on and the use of various forms of technology will be encouraged.  Assessment methods and classroom management strategies will also be examined.

What To Bring:

 • Note taking materials
 • It is not necessary to bring your laptop