Advanced Placement AP® and International Baccalaureate Diploma (DP) classes offer students the opportunity to experience college-level curriculum while still in high school. Students can earn college credit with qualifying scores on the AP® or IB exams typically taken in May of each school year.
In CFBISD, students can choose from 30 AP® classes. The DP classes are available to students enrolled at Ranchview High School.
Advanced Placement and Pre-Advanced Placement Courses
What is Advanced Placement (AP)?
The Advanced Placement (AP) Program is a cooperative educational endeavor between secondary schools and colleges and universities. It allows high school students to undertake college-level academic learning in AP courses, and gives them the opportunity to show that they have mastered the advanced material by taking the AP Exams. Students can receive credit, advanced placement, or both from colleges and universities that participate in the College Board’s Advanced Placement Program. It is important for students to check with the college or university they plan to attend regarding the AP Exam credit qualifications it will accept.
AP courses make substantial academic demands on students. Most courses are a full year in length. Students are required to do considerable outside reading and other assignments and to demonstrate the analytical skills and writing abilities expected of first year students in a strong college program. This experience helps students develop the intellectual skills and self discipline they will need in college.
What is Pre-Advanced Placement (Pre-AP)?
Pre-Advanced Placement courses begin at grade six in English, mathematics, social studies and science. They are intended to ensure that middle and high school students are taught the skills, concepts, and habits of mind needed for college.
All Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD teachers are provided professional development resources and services to equip them with the strategies and tools they need to engage their students in high-level learning.
All Pre-Advanced Placement courses and general education courses are required to use the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS). The Pre-Advanced Placement courses are modified by adding depth, complexity and pacing. All Pre-Advanced Placement courses and general education courses are required to use the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS). The Pre-Advanced Placement courses are modified by adding depth, complexity and pacing.
What is the difference between Pre-Advanced Placement and general education classes?
Teachers and students may add depth, complexity through the modification of the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skill (TEKS) concept. The application of depth may be done through the language of the discipline, details, patterns, trends, unanswered questions, rules and ethics. Complexity may be added through big ideas or generalizations, and different points of view. The depth and complexity attributes are based on Dr. Sandra Kaplan’s work. Pacing is based on the ability to compact curriculum for learners or through their acquisition of knowledge. Thus, allowing the teacher to maximize the opportunities for added depth and complexity.
If a student is interested in Pre-AP or AP, who should they contact?
Contact your school counselor or teacher.
How many courses Pre-AP or AP courses should a student take?
The number of courses a student should take rests on the ability of the student, their other obligations and their commitment to the course’s rigor.
Must a student be identified for the ACE or LEAP gifted program to take AP or Pre-AP?
No. Students who are willing to commit to substantial academic demands and willing to do the outside reading should consider AP and Pre-AP courses.
Additional Information:
For additional information regarding gifted and talented programs, contact your child’s teacher, counselor or principal. Additional information may be obtained by calling: Department of Advanced Academic Services at 972.968.4370.