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Advanced CoursEwork -

Push Yourself!

You can Do it!

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Objectives

Today’s lesson is about advanced coursework, reflecting on personal skills and interests, and deciding which (if any) advanced coursework is right for you!

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Outcomes/Learning Targets

What is the difference between Honors and Advanced Placement (AP)? How can taking advanced coursework help me in high school?

I can explain the difference between Honors & AP. �
I can explain how taking advanced coursework can be beneficial.

I can reflect on my interests and skills to determine if advanced coursework is right for me.

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Warm Up

I have more questions for you...

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Think of a time when something was difficult.

What was it? Why was it difficult?

Question 1:

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Turn and talk with a partner!

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That thing that was difficult, did it push your limits?

What did it teach you about yourself?

Question 2:

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Turn and talk, again!

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That’s Rigor!

What do you think rigor means?

Question 3:

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Activity

What is the difference between Honors and Advanced Placement (AP)?

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Quick Review!

Required courses… Which courses do you HAVE to take your 9th grade year?

SHOUT IT OUT!

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English 1!

US History!

Math!

(Algebra or Geometry)

Biology!

Physical Education 1!

Health Science Exploration OR �Bits & Bytes �(Pathways students only)

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Ok, so what does this have to do with advanced coursework?

Well… If you want, you can choose to take these courses as�HONORS or ADVANCED PLACEMENT (AP) �courses.

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HONORS course are Honors courses that provide opportunities for learners to explore course material at a broader, deeper and more complex level than the standard course.

ADVANCED PLACEMENT (AP) courses use college-level curriculum and assessments. They help you be more ready for college-level work by introducing you to the pace and challenge of a college-level class. At the end of the class, you can choose to take the AP test to receive college credit.

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Think about your skills and Interests...

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Do you really like us History? Did you do well in Social Studies in middle school?

If you answered, YES!

Maybe you might take US History Honors�

If you answered, No way!

Then we May not suggest taking US History Honors...

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Think about your skills and Interests...

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On a post-it, make a list of...

Courses I do well in	Areas I am really interested in
Science Music	Playing percussion Doing lab experiments

Keep this list in mind when we get to selecting courses later on!

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Benefits of taking Advanced Coursework:

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Provide skills that you need to do college level work
Teach you to think and ask questions
Higher ACT Scores
More likely to get into the college of your choice
Potential to earn college credit thus reducing the cost of college
Less likely to need remedial courses
More engaged in coursework
Can increase scholarship opportunities
More flexibility with courses in college

Passing AP Test or Completing Dual Credit Course

= 3 College Credits

Cost of 3 Credits at UW Madison =

Did you know?!

$1,354

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Consider this!

Though every post-secondary program will have its own specific entry requirements, a tip to consider:

Post-Secondary Institutions want to know you are ready for college-level challenges!

Take the most challenging courses possible and consider experiencing at least some Honors, Advanced Placement, or college-level coursework at some point in high school.

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balancing Advanced Coursework:

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we want you to push yourself, but we want you to make sure that you do no overload yourself.

Only take what you think you can handle.

Your GPA is important, so make sure that you set yourself up :)

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EXAMPLES of ADvanced CourseWork:

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English	Math	Science	Social Studies	Elective
English 1 Honors English 2 Honors Earned Honors	Geometry Honors	Integrated Science Honors	US History Honors AP US History	AP Computer Science
AP Language and Composition	Algebra 2 Honors	Chemistry Honors AP Chemistry	AP World History
AP Literature and Composition	AP Statistics	AP Biology	AP Microeconomics
	AP Calculus AB AP Calculus BC	AP Physics I AP Physics II	AP European History
		AP Environmental Science	AP Macroeconomics
			AP Psychology
			AP US Gov and Politics

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Reflection

Exercise your brain!

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Pick ONE of the questions below to share your thinking with a partner...

Why is it beneficial to take advanced coursework?
What advanced coursework might you take?
Why would you not want to take all honors your freshman year?
Why do colleges pay attention to advanced coursework?

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