Advanced Academic Program

Students have an opportunity to make choices in middle school that are new and exciting and like nothing they have experienced before…

Why are we here tonight?

Advanced Academic Overview

Early GradesGrades K-2Identified Gifted and Talented Pull Out Enrichment opportunities that focus on emerging needs of student and talent development

Upper Elementary GradesGrades 3-5

Identified Gifted and Talented Pull Out Enrichment opportunities that focus on

developing skills to become independent thinker, problem solver,

and producer by area of strengthMiddle GradesGrades 6-8Identified GT and High AchievingStudents self select courses of rigor in areas of strength to begin preparation for advanced curriculum . Students begin the Pre-Advanced Placement pathway.

High SchoolGrades 9-12

Identified GT and High AchievingStudents self select courses of rigor in

areas of strength to prepare for college credit and high academic achievement.

Student begin and complete the Pre-Advanced Placement and Advanced

Placement/Dual Credit pathway.

Advanced Academic Program

Overview K-12

Pre Advanced Placement (Pre-AP) courses are designed to challenge and stimulate students to the highest level of their ability.

These classes should: Prepare for challenge Require more time Move quickly Connect to complex issuesExcite the student!

Rigorous Path

BISD wants you in Pre AP –and to succeed!

How to decide if Pre Ap is the right choice? Students may select as many Pre AP classes as they

wish, but should remember that these classes are by definition more complex—in reading, thinking, and producing

Parents and students should use student data to make the determination if Pre AP is the correct path:◦STAAR◦Grades in classes◦Homework practices◦Student willingness to

BISD allows students to

self select into Pre AP

courses—this is called

“Open Access”. Every

student that chooses a

rigorous path should be

encouraged to do so.

Who can take Pre-AP?

Demonstrate successful completion of previous course taken in the subject area (i.e. 80% or higher as semester averages)

Achieved advanced measure on STAAR the previous year

Commit to the extra time necessary for class preparation: increased outside reading, sophisticated writing assignments, and projects or labs with complex problem solving (including attending tutorials as needed).

Seek teacher and/or counselor advisement on registering for class

Maintain a passing grade

Recommended Guidelines for Pre-AP

“The strongest predictor of college graduation is something students do before they ever go to college:Participate in rigorous, college-level courses in high school—and AP courses in particular.

Pre AP Prepares a student for success in Advanced Placement classes in high school and beyond.

Prepare Now to Succeed in CollegeChoices you make now help you prepare for choices in high school and beyond.

Entering Pre AP Math has requirements

Pre AP Math Sequence: 6th Pre AP Math moves at a different pace and covers topics in a more

complex manner 7th Pre AP Math is a COMPACTED course that COMBINES 7th and 8th grade

math 8th is Algebra

The #1 predictor of success in Algebra is a strong foundation in 8th grade math!!!

Math is Different…..

Interpreting STAAR

• STAAR is Important

• STAAR gives students, parents and educators an indication of academic achievement

• STAAR can be an indication of readiness for the next course or it can indicate there are gaps in foundational skills and knowledge

Teacher’s know motivation comes from many places—and they know students must be willing to become motivated for success.

Make Homework a priority in the household

Communicate and create positive relationships with teachers so that conflict between home and school is non existent

NO ZEROS

Tutorials are for everyone!

Teacher’s Advice:

“ As a 6th grader, I have enjoyed the challenge, but I did make some B grades, but I am very proud of those B’s!!!”

“If you get behind, it is very hard.”

“I know my teacher wants me to succeed. They are here all the time for me. They push me to do my best always, but they also don’t expect me to do it alone. They do expect me to take responsibility for my learning and to ask questions. They do expect me to apply myself and to complete work assigned.”

Student's Words of Wisdom…

“I was nervous about my student entering into Pre-AP math and the first six weeks was very difficult. My child made a C for the first time in ever. But we made a plan and attended tutorials and now it is much better. I realized what matters is they give their best.”

“My student was strong in ELA, so we only selected one Pre AP course so that he could get the foundation needed for high levels of success in other areas.”

“I want my student to have the foundation. We had to make the right choices so that 6th grade could be a success. We used past grades, STAAR scores, and personal reflection to decide.”

“I learned to expect my student’s best. It might be an A, it might be a C—as long as there were no zeros, I knew it was a good measure of where they stood in the class.”

What Parents have to say:

5th and 6th grade teachers want your 6th grade year to be exciting, challenging, and rewarding!!

We are excited you are going to middle school!!!

Bridge to Success