Albany High SchoolAlbany High School Advanced Placement Advanced Placement

and and International International

Baccalaureate ProgramsBaccalaureate Programs

Opportunity and VarietyTremendous number of

choices at AHS:

• 60% of US High Schools offer AP (8 courses avg)

• AHS offers 16 AP courses• As many or more than any

school in the Capital District!

The AP Program at AHS

• Very established program at AHS – Social Sciences 5– Mathematics 3– Foreign Language 3– Science 3– Music 1– English 1

• Open enrollment policy• Possible to graduate with upwards of 60

college credits

Excellence and Preparation

• Commitment to excellence is at the center of both the AP and IB Programs

• Courses are challenging and rigorous

- exactly the nature of courses they will face in college.

Excellence

Ap/IB prepare students succeed in college:

Answers in the Tool Box, a recent U.S. Department of Education study, reports that participation in AP/IB is one of the strongest predictors of college success.

Results in Scores• AP/IB students did much better on Regents

Exams than other members of their cohort.

Ex) Global Regents ExamAHS European History AP Students

Average Score = 92 AHS School-Wide

Average Score = 66

• Over 70% of AHS AP students exams score a 3 or better (3 is passing)

IB at a glance

© International Baccalaureate Organization 2006

The Diploma Programme

At a Glance

About IBO

• Established in late 1960's

• International Schools for students abroad

• Guaranteed high quality education regardless of location

• Now internationally recognized as a symbol of academic excellence

What makes DP special 1?

© International Baccalaureate Organization 2006

Students are encouraged to:

§ ask challenging questions

§ learn how to learn

§ develop a strong sense of their own identity and culture

§ develop the ability to communicate with and understand people from other countries and cultures

§ become independent, self-motivated learners.

Programmes: What makes the Diploma Programme special?More than a collection of facts.

What makes DP special 2?

© International Baccalaureate Organization 2006

Programmes: What makes the Diploma Programme special?A rigorous two year pre-university course that leads to examinations.

§ Designed for students aged 16 to 19

§ Diploma students take six subjects plus they write a 4,000 word extended essay, complete a course in theory of knowledge, and complete a number of creativity, action and service (CAS) projects.

§ The diploma is well recognized by the world’s leading universities.

§ Many IB schools teach the diploma programme along side the national curriculum.

§ Supported in English, French and Spanish.

IB at AHS

• 2006-2007 is our 1st graduation year.• 2007-2008 will usher in the 3rd IB cohort

• AHS is one of the few schools in NYS to offer this prestigious program.

Choice

• Choosing IB and AP may limit choices in electives.

• MUSIC IS IN !!

• Career programs such as the Explorations Program will not fit in the schedule for IB but may with select AP courses.

Group 6The Arts

Music SL Visual Arts SL 1 Visual Arts HL 1,2

Group 1Language A1:

English HL 1,2

Group 5Mathematics and

Computer Sciences

Math Studies SL 1,2 Mathematics SL 1 Math HL 1,2

Group 4Experimental

Sciences

Biology HL 1,2• Chemistry SL 1• Design Tech SL 1• Physics SL 1

Group 3 Individuals and

Societies

Psychology SL 1 Economics SL 1 HOA/20th Cent HL 1,2• European Studies SL 1• ITGS SL 1

Group 2Second Language:

French B SL 1,2 Latin B SL 1,2 Spanish B SL 1,2 Chinese a.i SL 1,2

TOK 1,2 CAS Extended Essay

IBO Diploma CurriculaIBO Diploma Curricula

Closing the Gap

Reading level is the greatest predictor of success in High School:

• Many students enter the AP/IB Programs as 2’s or low 3’s in reading.– (as measured by the 8th Grade New York State ELA

Exam)

• Vast majority become 4’s by 11th grade!– (as measured by the NYS English Regents Exam)

College CreditMost college programs accept AP and or IB credits for college

advancement. Here’s a small sampling of university policies:

Alfred University - one year’s credit (30 semester hours) for an IB Diploma

Binghamton University “...recognizes students who earn IB diplomas as having accomplished the most challenging comprehensive curriculum available. Students in the Diploma Program may receive up to 32 credit hours”

College CreditUnion College – An IB Diploma with 30

or more points, including at least three higher level grades of 5, 6, or 7, are eligible for sophomore standing. Fewer than 30 points, or preparing single

exams, earn up to two Union College courses for each higher level examination score of 5 or better.

Credits for Advanced Placement exam scores of 4 or 5 will gain the student academic credit for.

College Credit

RPI - Credits granted to entering freshmen earning a score of 4 or 5 on the AP exam.

Online College Credit Policies

• Literally hundreds of colleges who give college credit for AP/IB courses.

• http://apcentral.collegeboard.com/

• http:// www.ibo.org

Highest Quality Instruction

• Over 80 teachers trained in IB and AP

• High Quality Professional Development– Supports Teachers in teaching your sons

and daughters at the highest academic level.

• “Spill over effect” on other courses

Cost and Equity

• Cost is a potential obstacle:

• Each AP costs $83

• IB Diploma, (with the five AP Exams the students will take), can cost as much as $1100.

Cost and Equity• Our goal:

– “to have every student at AHS take at least one college credit bearing course before he/she graduates from high school.” - Thomas McGurn

• AHS Subscribes to AP/IB scholarship programs

• Through Grants and Fundraising:– “ we hope to create a situation where cost is

never the reason a student cannot participate in the IB Diploma Programme.” - Thomas McGurn

IB Parents GroupIB Parents Group

• Begun by the Parents in the Pilot Year

• Help to supports the program and keep themselves informed on key issues:– Student progress and concerns

– District Issues (policies, PR, finance issues)

– Student Community Service

– Fundraising + Corporate and Community Sponsorship

– Recruitment

• Please stop by the Parents’ table for more info.

Open Enrollment

• Any student motivated to do the work necessary to be successful in AP/IB classes is encouraged to enroll.

• Having Doubts? – Tutoring Available

• Contact your Guidance Counselor Immediately if interested.

Information

Additional information concerning the AP/IB at Albany High School, please contact:

Tom McGurn - 454-3987 ext. 970

Or your child’s

Guidance Counselor

Questions?