By Dr. Thomas Little
Superintendent of
Perry Township Schools
Perry Township students continue to increase their test scores in math and language arts while graduating at a rate of more than 92 percent, also an increase. And the number of students taking Advanced Placement classes continues to rise.
We believe that these three data points are strongly tied to one another. The nationally recognized AP program features rigorous courses that are actually college-level classes offered to high schoolers. The teachers who instruct these courses have attended intensive training sessions.
Students taking these courses understand that there is an increased workload outside of class time, study sessions with other students and in-depth research. They also understand that there is a comprehensive exam at the end of the course that has a dramatic effect on their final grades.
The AP English literature and composition course engages students in the careful reading and critical analysis of canon literature. Through the close reading of selected texts, students deepen their understanding of the ways writers use language to provide meaning and pleasure for their readers.
In addition to considering a work’s literary artistry, students reflect on the social and historical values it reflects and embodies. AP coursework challenges students to become better thinkers, better readers and better writers.
AP biology is much more rigorous than first- or even second-year anatomy-physiology. It is one of the only AP classes that is a year of college credit in a year of high school (most are a semester college course).
“We have made a concentrated effort to increase the number of AP course offerings at Perry Meridian for many years,” said Brad Miller, the school’s AP Tip-in Grant coordinator.
“We have been pleased with our students for stepping up to the challenge and rigor of these courses,” said Southport Principal Barb Brouwer. “We continue to excel with AP success. In 2012-13, 507 AP tests were taken with 190 earning college credit. In 2013-14, 742 tests were taken with 286 earning college credit.”
Technology is infused in AP programs. Computers called Chromebooks are utilized in class, and additional online resources compliment the instructional lesson. We also use Google drive to collaborate and share lab reports, which saves reams of paper because the information is shared electronically.
The decision to conduct 34 AP courses was made to provide opportunities for our students to prepare for the rigors of a college class load. If a student enrolled in just half of the AP courses offered and passed each class, he would enter college as a sophomore and save the cost of an entire year of college.
Perry Township is committed to meeting the needs of its students.
Superintendent of
Perry Township Schools
Perry Township students continue to increase their test scores in math and language arts while graduating at a rate of more than 92 percent, also an increase. And the number of students taking Advanced Placement classes continues to rise.
We believe that these three data points are strongly tied to one another. The nationally recognized AP program features rigorous courses that are actually college-level classes offered to high schoolers. The teachers who instruct these courses have attended intensive training sessions.
Students taking these courses understand that there is an increased workload outside of class time, study sessions with other students and in-depth research. They also understand that there is a comprehensive exam at the end of the course that has a dramatic effect on their final grades.
The AP English literature and composition course engages students in the careful reading and critical analysis of canon literature. Through the close reading of selected texts, students deepen their understanding of the ways writers use language to provide meaning and pleasure for their readers.
In addition to considering a work’s literary artistry, students reflect on the social and historical values it reflects and embodies. AP coursework challenges students to become better thinkers, better readers and better writers.
AP biology is much more rigorous than first- or even second-year anatomy-physiology. It is one of the only AP classes that is a year of college credit in a year of high school (most are a semester college course).
“We have made a concentrated effort to increase the number of AP course offerings at Perry Meridian for many years,” said Brad Miller, the school’s AP Tip-in Grant coordinator.
“We have been pleased with our students for stepping up to the challenge and rigor of these courses,” said Southport Principal Barb Brouwer. “We continue to excel with AP success. In 2012-13, 507 AP tests were taken with 190 earning college credit. In 2013-14, 742 tests were taken with 286 earning college credit.”
Technology is infused in AP programs. Computers called Chromebooks are utilized in class, and additional online resources compliment the instructional lesson. We also use Google drive to collaborate and share lab reports, which saves reams of paper because the information is shared electronically.
The decision to conduct 34 AP courses was made to provide opportunities for our students to prepare for the rigors of a college class load. If a student enrolled in just half of the AP courses offered and passed each class, he would enter college as a sophomore and save the cost of an entire year of college.
Perry Township is committed to meeting the needs of its students.
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