Bridging AP to CTE: Vision into Action Michelle Shearer 2011 National Teacher of the Year AP Chemistry Instructor, Maryland

Bridging AP to CTE: Vision into Action

Michelle Shearer2011 National Teacher of the

YearAP Chemistry Instructor,

Maryland

How do you recruit a broad range of students to take AP courses?

How do you get them interested?

How do you get them to take the risk?

How do you keep them from dropping out?

How do you convince them to take the AP exams?

How do you ensure success on the AP exams?

Strategies for recruiting CTE students to take AP courses:

AP instructors recruit classroom to classroom posters/flyers in the hallways, cafeteria,

bathrooms, linking AP to specific careers continuous “plugs” for AP courses during

instruction (i.e. “When you take AP physics…”) create workable course schedules student “word of mouth” personal conferences, teacher interest in CTE

students and career ambitions, “heart-to-hearts”

guest speakers, career fairs, assemblies, course selection guides “by career”

“Future Link”FCPS Student Professional Development Conference

Science, Technology, Engineering, Math Arts, Media and Communication Business, Management and Finance Construction and Development Consumer Services, Hospitality and Tourism Environment, Agriculture and Natural Resources Health and Bioscience Human Resource Services Manufacturing Transportation Technologies

Careers

Core Science Courses

Core Math Courses Core Computer / Technology Courses

Health ProfessionsMedicineNursing Medical TechnologyMedical ResearchPharmaceuticalsVeterinary MedicinePhysical Therapy

Chemistry (H), Biology (H) AP Biology I&II AP Chemistry I&IIAP Physics B I&II

Geometry (H), Alg. II (H) Pre-Calculus (H)Calculus AB or AP Calculus AB/BC Probability & Statistics *AP Probability & Statistics

Programming IAP Computer Science

Biology Related CareersBiologyMicrobiologyMarine BiologyBiotechnology Research

Chemistry (H), Biology (H), AP Biology I&IIAP Environmental ScienceAP Physics B I&IIAP Chemistry I&II

Same


Engineering Civil, Chemical, Electrical, Mechanical, Robotics, Structural, Aerospace, Architecture

Chemistry (H), Biology (H)AP Physics B I&II AP Chemistry I&IIAP Physics C I&II

Same

Programming I AP Computer Science or IB Computer Science*Electronics *Web Site Development

Computer CareersComputer Software Application Engineer, Computer Systems Analyst, Computer Support Specialist, Computer Systems Software Engineer, Network Systems Data Communications Analyst, Network and Computer Systems Administrator, Database Administrator, Web Specialist, Java Programmer

Chemistry (H) Biology (H) AP Physics B I&II*AP Physics C I&II

Same

Programming I AP Computer Science Communications and NetworkingElectronicsWeb Site Development IWeb Site Development II

Careers Core Science Courses Core Math Courses

Core Computer / Technology Courses

Natural SciencesGeology, Topography, MappingEnvironmental Science Engineer Natural Resources / Park Management, Meteorology, Astronomy, Agriculture, Zoologist, Arborist, Fisheries

Chemistry (H), Biology (H) AP Environmental ScienceAP Physics B Parts I&IIEarth Science Research

Geometry (H), Alg. II (H) Pre-Calculus (H)Calculus AB or AP Calculus AB/BC Probability & Statistics


EducationChemistry TeacherPhysics Teacher

Chemistry (H), Biology (H) AP Chemistry I&II AP Physics B I&II *AP Biology I&II

Same


Mathematics Teacher Chemistry (H), Biology (H) AP Physics B I&II

Same


Biology Teacher Chemistry (H), Biology (H)AP Biology I&IIAP Environmental ScienceAP Physics B I&II

Same


College Preparation Non Science Related Field

Chemistry (H), Biology (H)AP Physics B I&II AP Environmental Science

Geometry, Algebra II Pre-Calculus Probability & Statistics


School To Work Merit ICPFundamentals of ChemistryBiology Environmental ScienceApplied Physics

Intro to AlgebraAlgebra A/BGeometryAlgebra II

Programming IWeb Site Development

“From the moment you enter an AP classroom, you'll notice the difference—in the teacher's approach to the subject, in the attitude of your classmates, in the way you start to think.” www.collegeboard.org

Study Schedule: 1st week of class

Mon. 8/24

Nomenclature

Multiple choice: compounds Elements vs. polyatomic ions Nomenclature rules: review Lab: Equipment check-in Problem Set #1: Nomenclature Course binders & expectations

1. Problem Set #1: Nomenclature2. Study for QUIZ: Summer materials 3. Read course expectations handout ***FCPS Lab Safety Contract***Lab notebook fee: $3.00

Tues.8/25

Types of Reactions

AP exam section II question 4:

“Reactions” – synthesis Hazardous chemicals & safety Lab: Reactions – Day 1

1. Problem set #1: Nomenclature2. Study for QUIZ: Summer materials

Wed. 8/26

Net Ionic Equations

Top 10 Decomposition Reactions “Net ionic equations” for single

replacement reactions Lab: Reactions – Day 2

1. Problem set #1: Nomenclature2. Study for QUIZ: Summer materials (tomorrow!)

Th. 8/27

Net Ionic Equations

QUIZ: Summer Materials Net ionic eq: double

replacement Lab research notebook – format Lab: The Copper Cycle – Day 1

1. Problem Set #1: Nomenclature

Fri. 8/28

Net Ionic Equations

“Collaboration” - problem set #1 Comments from college

professors: textbooks and “text analysis”

Lab: The Copper Cycle – Day 2

1. Problem Set #1: Nomenclature (due Mon. 8/31)2. Text analysis: Ch. 4 (due Th. 9/3)

Topics Class Agenda Homework Assignments

Mindset: “You belong in this AP class.”

Create a shared identity: “You are...”

“It’s a marathon, not a sprint.”

Highlight the need to struggle. (Guess what I got on my first college chemistry exam?)

Sell the benefits of advanced coursework.

“The classroom is my mirror.”

A thought from Dr. Benjamin Carson…

“…the potential of every brain is equal…”

Teaching strategies

multi-sensory approach

hands-on and minds-on

“experience before content” (ABC = activity before concept, LBC = lab before content)

examples before general concepts

activities with “graduated difficulty” (ex: flashcards)

engaging activities with universal appeal that spark the desire to master content

“write to learn”(research notebooks,marker boards, text analysis)

fill the gaps

monitor social dynamics

“real-world” applications of content and connections to CTE (ex: battery project)

exposure to AP exam format & test “practice”

Seek “extraordinary educators”

Identify teachers up to the task. (ELO position with compensation for additional time?)

Ask the right questions. (mindset, strategies, faith in students, willingness to teach study skills and fill knowledge gaps)

Allow teachers FLEXIBILITY to take risks and creatively engage students.

See beyond the AP score report. Present a united front to parents and “sell

the benefits” of advanced coursework.

“Soft skills” “Life Skills” “World Skills” Leadership Citizenship Integrity Competence Time management Self direction Independence Creativity Ingenuity

Confidence Perseverance Adaptability Resilience Determination Discipline Positive thinking Collaborative spirit Optimistic outlook

“The Value of 5 Minutes”

5 mins per day x 5 days = 25 mins per week 25 mins per week x 4 weeks = 100 mins per month 100 mins per month x 9 months = 900 mins per

school year 900 minutes / 90 minutes per block =

10 days of instruction… (two weeks)

LOST.

Ex: Did this student “belong” in AP?

A female student of minority background who was hesitant to take AP chemistry struggled to pass the course and earned a “2” on the exam.

(She learned from the experience, went on to pass AP biology and AP physics and is pursuing a STEM major in college.)

Bridging AP to CTE requires…

…a commitment to a student’s progression on the path to “college and career readiness”

…even when his or her prognosis is not assured

…and the steadfast belief that the skills and habits of mind learned in AP courses will ultimately translate to other areas and benefit the student in the long run.

Contact information: [email protected]

Documents

Bridging AP to CTE: Vision into Action Michelle Shearer 2011 National Teacher of the Year AP Chemistry Instructor, Maryland