AP/IB Parent Information Night

Carol Jordan -- AP Coordinator Michael Chao -- IB Coordinator

November 16, 2010

Tonight’s meeting

•  Provide general information about AP and IB to families who are not familiar with them.

•  Allow you to begin family discussions of what is right for your child.

•  Specific course selection issues will be addressed later on an individual basis.

•  Course selection process to begin late January/early February 2011.

IB and AP

•  IB = International Baccalaureate •  AP = Advanced Placement •  Rigorous courses for motivated students •  Highly valued by colleges and universities •  College/university credit and/or placement for

successful results •  More successful at university

Who should take AP and IB?

•  AP and IB courses are open to all SAS students

•  University-level rigor •  High level of interest, motivation and

commitment are required •  Departmental pre-requisites for some

subjects like Chemistry, Physics, Math •  Recommendations from teachers,

counselors, coordinators

The IB Program

•  Full IB Diploma Program or IB Certificates •  Two year courses, taken in grades 11 and 12 •  Graded on a 1-7 scale •  External exams in May of Senior year and

internal assessments over both years

Requirements of the IB Diploma Program •  1 course from each of the 6 areas •  You may choose a second course from

Groups 1-4 in place of Group 6 (the Arts). •  3 courses at Higher Level (HL), 3 at Standard

Level (SL) •  TOK, EE, CAS

•  Students who do not choose the full IB Diploma Program may enroll in one or more IB courses on a Certificate basis.

3 Central Elements

Unique elements of the full IB Diploma Program

•  Theory of Knowledge (TOK) •  Extended Essay (EE) •  Creativity, Action, Service (CAS)

Theory of Knowledge (TOK)

• Critical examination of the nature of knowledge • Ways of knowing, e.g. perception, reason, language, emotion • Areas of knowledge, e.g. scientific, artistic, mathematical, historical

• Only open to full IB Diploma students

Theory of Knowledge (TOK) •  “In TOK we constantly learn the importance of

knowing the truth, to question things, to ask for justification. I believe that for High School students it’s extremely important.”

•  “You have to ask: To what extent should we trust [different sources]? To what extent should we not trust them?”

•  “We have learned to look at issues from other perspectives.”

Extended Essay (EE) •  Independent research investigation, up to

4000 words •  Subject and topic of the student’s choice •  Written over 13 months under the supervision

of a faculty advisor

•  Opportunity to go beyond the regular curriculum in an area of particular interest

•  Demonstrate independence and initiative •  Learn college-level research skills

Creativity, Action, Service (CAS) •  Learning that takes place outside the

classroom •  8 Learning Outcomes – Students must show

evidence that they have: o  Increased their awareness of their own strengths and

weaknesses o  Undertaken new challenges o  Planned and initiated activities o  Worked collaboratively o  Shown perseverance and commitment o  Engaged with issues of global importance o  Considered the ethical implications of their actions o  Developed new skills

IB Diploma – Development of international-mindedness •  Going beyond multicultural celebrations

and assemblies •  Considering implications for the future •  Engaging with global issues

o CAS o  TOK o Other courses

•  Developing students who are prepared to make a difference

IB Learner Profile – IB learners strive to be: •  Inquirers •  Knowledgeable •  Thinkers •  Communicators •  Principled

•  Open-minded •  Caring •  Risk-takers •  Balanced •  Reflective

Admissions Assumptions about the IB graduate •  Accepts challenges •  Strong academic

preparation •  Externally validated

performance •  Internationally-minded •  Excellent research and

writing skills •  Oral presentation skills

•  Critical thinking skills •  Awareness of holistic

nature of learning •  Community

involvement •  Time management

skills •  Maturity and

responsibility

The AP Program •  Gives motivated and academically prepared students the

opportunity to take College level courses in HS.

Benefits for students •  Can earn college credit or placement (Score 4 or 5,

although often not for Chinese) •  Helps them stand out in college admissions

Benefit for Colleges •  Identifies students with the study and organizational

skills, maturity, critical thinking and content knowledge needed to be successful in College.

•  High indicator of College success. •  Shows confidence to take on challenges and be

successful

The AP Program •  One year courses •  Graded on a 1-5 scale •  3 hour external exam in May. •  No internally assessed component

At SAS •  Grade 10: AP US History & World History (NEW in 2011) •  AP Calculus available to qualified students in any grade. •  Chinese available to students in the AP class. Other

qualified students can apply to write the exam independently. Eligibility is subject to space.

•  All other courses are available in G11/ 12.

AP Courses offered 2011-2012 English •  English Literature and Composition / English

Language and Composition Humanities •  Comparative Government & Politics / Economics /

Psychology / US History / World History Languages •  Chinese

Science •  Environmental Science / Biology / Chemistry / Physics C

Mathematics •  Computer Science / Calculus / Statistics

Honoring AP Achievement standing out in admissions process

AP Scholar •  Grades of 3 or higher on three or more AP Exams.

AP Scholar with Honor •  Average grade of at least 3.25 on all AP Exams taken,

and grades of 3 or higher on four or more.

AP Scholar with Distinction •  Average grade of at least 3.5 on all AP Exams taken,

and grades of 3 or higher on five or more.

University Recognition

•  IB strongly recommended for Europe, Australia/New Zealand, some Asian countries

•  Neither is required for US admissions, though strong results in either reflect very favorably.

•  Strong performance in AP and IB Higher Level viewed comparably

An IB Myth •  “I’ve heard that IB is better for Europe, but

AP is better for the US.”

Actually … • “We all know the value of both programs.”

William Fitzsimmons, Director of Admissions, Harvard, quoted in “Diploma for the Top of the Top,” New York Times, 21 June 2003

In fact, admissions officers say they view both programs equally, since both offer rigorous course work. (From same article)

Awards for IB graduates

•  Bard College – sophomore standing •  SUNY Binghamton – up to 32 credits

•  Oregon State – sophomore standing and minimum of $3000 renewable annual scholarship, may compete for higher awards

•  University of Tampa – sophomore standing and up to $11,000 renewable annual scholarship

UBC – University of British Columbia

Researching University Policies

Policies vary widely by university: •  Discussions with counselors •  Individual school websites

For universities outside of US that recognize AP and the credit policy for US Colleges and Universities go to: http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/

For universities that recognize the IB go tohttp://www.ibo.org

Approximately 1600 colleges/universities have listed policies Over 1000 in North America

Researching University Policies

Researching University Policies

UC – Berkeley

Recognition Summary Charts

http://www.collegeboard.com/student

AP Recognition and Credit Policy

http://www.admissions

.umich.edu

University of Michigan

AP International Recognition

Australian University Recognition

What our students say about IB

•  "It truly does give you the opportunities to become global citizens.”

•  "My courses are engaging and challenging.”

•  “I enjoy the connections between classes in the IB Program.”

•  “The courses require critical thinking and inquiry.”

What our students say about IB

•  “Keeping to deadlines has helped with my time management, and the workload has encouraged me to work harder and aim for a higher goal.”

•  “The IB program teaches you how to be a well rounded student, not just someone who is academically strong. You learn how to be globally minded, aware of your environment, and see the world in a more open view.”

From an IB graduate

•  “I’m in second year Psychology … the syllabus is full of stuff we learned … You should tell the IB kids how helpful IB really is because in every class I’m finding things we did in IB…”

What our students say about AP •  “The one year courses are flexible

allowing you to pursue a variety of interests.”

•  “AP courses are challenging, and often teach or polish skills that can be used in other classes.”

“People who aren’t afraid to work hard, who want to become better students, and

challenge themselves should take AP”

“By taking AP classes, I learned how to use my time wisely and develop crucial independent learning skills.”

“AP provides intellectual stimulation and excellent training for motivated students

seeking to go above and beyond.”

What are my choices in IB and AP?

•  Full IB Diploma Program – 6 IB courses + TOK + CAS + EE

•  Mix of AP courses, IB courses for certificates, general HS courses

What’s next?

•  Start discussing this information with your child -- what is the best fit for my child?

•  Look out for dates and times for additional information nights

•  10th grade parents: Plan to schedule a family meeting with your child's counselor.

•  For more information about AP classes talk to Ms Jordan, your child's counselor and teachers.

•  Prospective IB Diploma candidates will also meet with Mr. Chao