Frequently Asked Questions....

Advanced Placement Questions and Answers

My child is not in High School. Why should I support AP Boosters?
The preparation for GT, Honors, Pre-AP and AP classes begins in Intermediate 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 Intermediate and Middle School through teacher grants and classroom donations.


What do the membership dues and fundraising support?
College Scholarships
Teacher enrichment grants to support AP/Honors classes
Some of these grants are for:
  • Software
  • Pre-AP and AP textbooks
  • Science probes, sensors, kits
  • Classroom projectors
  • Foreign Language readers
  • Pre-AP and AP Art supplies
Our ability to fund and supply "teacher educational requests" (grants) 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 initiatives in Grades 5- 12
  • Monthly or 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 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 Advanced 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. Advanced 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?
  • Determine how your student will 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.

 

 

 

HISTORY OF AP BOOSTER CLUB

In the early part of 2003, Dr. Daniel Presley approached Karla Cogburn with an idea. He heard about an Advanced Placement Booster Group in Georgia for students in an "At Risk" Program. He said that CISD does not have an At Risk Program, but we do have exemplary students and an AP Program. An AP Booster Organization is something we can do in this district. With that direction and Karla Cogburn as the first president, AP Boosters was organized in Spring 2003 on both High School campuses. The first group consisted of about 20 members and increased to approximately 50 members the following Fall. 

From that point, the program has increased in schools and membership. In 2007, AP Boosters is in High Schools, Middle Schools and Intermediate Schools . Honors, Pre-AP and AP classes are supported and highlighted by the Booster Program. Funds have been raised to support Teacher Enrichment Grants and Student Scholarships. AP Boosters also helps the Guidance Office in finding volunteer proctors for AP Testing each Spring, thus saving the District money by not having to hire substitutes to proctor the exams. 

CISD AP Boosters have inspired other schools to jump on the AP Booster Bandwagon. There have been several requests from schools for information on how they can start their own AP Booster program. From a thought to humble beginnings, our AP Booster Program has grown and progressed to become a model and an example for others to follow, but more importantly, an organization to give service to Carroll teachers and students.
 
 
 
COURSE OVERVIEWS
Click here for a YouTube playlist of videos that provide course overviews for the advanced classes offered at the high school level.