Advanced Placement Questions and Answers

My child is not in High School. Why should I support AP Boosters?
The preparation for Honors, Pre-AP and AP classes can begin in Middle School. Parents often have numerous questions regarding future courses for their students. AP Boosters is a helpful network to answer questions and share experiences. Also, AP Boosters can help support honors classes in Middle School through gifts and donations.

What do the membership dues and fundraising support?
College Scholarships
Teacher enrichment grants to support AP/Honors classes.
Some of these are:

• Software
• Pre-AP and AP textbooks
• Science probes, sensors, kits
• Classroom projectors
• Foreign Language readers
• Pre-AP and AP Art supplies

Our ability to grant "wishes" and scholarships is limited by our resources. Your membership donation will help.

What are the benefits of AP Booster Membership?

• Support a distinguished CISD program
• Network with Parents
• Learn from guest speakers
• Support student initiative
• Quarterly newsletter with
• AP program updates
• Nationwide AP information
• Details on AP grading
• College preparation tips
• SAT and ACT Test information

What is an AP class?
Honors, pre-AP and AP courses have:

• specific criteria for entry of highly motivated students
• a definite scope and sequence that reflects the nature of the subject
• a differentiated curriculum that includes a wider range and greater depth of subject matter than those of the regular course
• an emphasis on higher level critical thinking skills
• provision for creative, productive thinking
• a stress on cognitive concepts and processes
• instructional strategies that accommodate the learning styles of the students involved
• independent as well as guided research

What is the difference between AP and honors or pre-AP classes?
Advanced Placement exams are given by a national testing service only in certain subjects. The courses Carroll ISD offers that specifically address the curriculum of AP exams and prepare students to pass those exams are designated as AP classes. These classes use college level textbooks and progress at a college level pace. Pre-AP classes are accelerated classes that prepare students to move into the AP classes. Honors classes are accelerated classes for which Carroll does not offer a successive AP course.

How hard are AP classes really?
AP classes challenge students to master concepts quickly and completely and to grasp their application. Students must discipline themselves to regularly pursue studies outside the classroom to keep pace with classroom work. These are college level courses.

How do I know whether my child should take AP classes?

• Consider your student's academic history, standardized test scores, reading skills and ability to work independently.
• Examine your student's interest level in each subject.
• Discuss college plans with your student.
• Discuss AP recommendations with your student's current teachers.

How many AP classes can my student handle?

• Consider your child's self-motivation.
• Does your student want the challenge of AP classes?
• Balance core subjects, electives and extra-curricular activities.

How will my student benefit by taking AP classes?
Your student will:

• be challenged.
• work with others who work at a similar pace.
• learn to pursue course work independently. (Expect more homework!)
• gain experience in college-level course work.
• receive 10 additional points (7 points for honors/pre-AP courses) in GPA and class rank calculations. This does not affect grades on report cards.
• possibly meet some requirements of the Distinguished Achievement Program.
• possibly receive college exemptions or credit for courses.