Academic and Pre-Advanced Placement Geography
Alternative coursework:
The tangible purpose of Pre-AP Geography is both to prepare students for the STAAR end-of-course exam AND for the Social Studies Advanced Placement classes that are available in later years. (Of course, learning and providing context for his or her art is the real objective, but don't tell the TEA!) Specifically that relates to World History Advanced Placement offered to students in their sophomore year. The pace of that preparation increases as we add primary source (historical) document analysis and academic writing to the mix.
Not all students are ready for accelerated learning at this point in their school career. That is perfectly normal and should not be considered a hindrance to the long term success of a 14 or 15 year old student; especially one with artistic talent. With that in mind, the administration and faculty of HSPVA offer the opportunity for parents to help their student choose either academic level World Geography or Pre-AP Geography.
In my opinion, the best indicator of your student’s readiness for accelerated learning is how they managed with the reading of The Power of Place; the summer reading. Few students will master it at first, but if that writing level remains out of reach, then you may wish to consider having him or her approach college level work later in their academic career.
The tangible purpose of Pre-AP Geography is both to prepare students for the STAAR end-of-course exam AND for the Social Studies Advanced Placement classes that are available in later years. (Of course, learning and providing context for his or her art is the real objective, but don't tell the TEA!) Specifically that relates to World History Advanced Placement offered to students in their sophomore year. The pace of that preparation increases as we add primary source (historical) document analysis and academic writing to the mix.
Not all students are ready for accelerated learning at this point in their school career. That is perfectly normal and should not be considered a hindrance to the long term success of a 14 or 15 year old student; especially one with artistic talent. With that in mind, the administration and faculty of HSPVA offer the opportunity for parents to help their student choose either academic level World Geography or Pre-AP Geography.
In my opinion, the best indicator of your student’s readiness for accelerated learning is how they managed with the reading of The Power of Place; the summer reading. Few students will master it at first, but if that writing level remains out of reach, then you may wish to consider having him or her approach college level work later in their academic career.
If you have questions not addressed here, please email me using the form on the "Contact Me" page.