Welcome to AP 11: English Language and Composition!

 “In the largest study ever of the impact of AP on college success, which looked at 222,289 students from all backgrounds attending a wide range of Texas universities, the researchers said they found ‘strong evidence of benefits to students who participate in both AP courses and exams in terms of higher GPAs, credit hours earned and four-year graduation rates’” (Washington Post 1/30/2007).  Furthermore, due to the fact that AP students experience the rigors of a college course, they generally fare better in higher education than non-AP students even if they fail to pass the AP test.  Therefore, this class is equivalent to a college-level freshman composition class, not only in academic rigor, but also in class expectations and structure.  When noting an acceptable grade for an AP class on a student’s transcript, college admissions officers should have a reasonable expectation that the student applicant has experienced a college-level curriculum and has risen to the occasion.  Consequently, you must make a commitment, a commitment to prioritize this class by devoting your full attention and best efforts. In order to meet your commitment you must understand and accept that:

·            You can earn Red Rocks Community College credit through concurrent instruction (course: ENG 121).  After you complete the registration process with Red Rocks, including earning an acceptable score on the Accuplacer test (SS score of 99 and reading score of 80 or higher, and you may retake this test until you achieve those scores) before the September deadline of 9/8, you are eligible for 3 hours of college credit independently of your score on the AP exam in May.  These credit hours cost approximately $12.00 – quite a bargain! You must maintain a B in the AP class to earn this credit.  You must complete the RRCC registration process by 9/30/2010.

·            You will not receive AP (weighted) credit unless you complete the AP test in May.

·             You must practice quality work habits.

·         Prepare for class by completing assigned readings, writing and research processes.

·         Submit all assignments on time.

·         Complete and submit assignments prior to planned absences.

·            You cannot drop the class until second semester.

·            We reserve the option of recommending withdrawal if you are not performing to reasonable expectations. If your grade drops below a mid-C, you must seek extra help from a T.A. or me.

·            You must complete all summer reading and writing assignments. If you fail to complete them, you will have to meet with me to discuss your future in the AP program. 

·            We have waived the course fee, so you are responsible for obtaining your textbooks.  To ensure that you have ordered the correct editions, please refer to the ISBN numbers on the course syllabus when ordering.

·            If you lose them, the summer reading assignments are available on my website under “AP11: English Language and Composition” in the menu on the left side of the home page.  Due to copyright considerations, you will find some of the readings on the “Conifer High School Only” page. 

·             You must take both practice exams when they are administered.  Both of these exams emulate the actual testing experience. The first will be held during CSAP week in the spring; the second, a complete AP exam, will be administered on Saturday, April 16, 2011.  Both of these exams will weigh heavily in the determination of your final grade.  You will earn no credit on them if you miss them due to anything other than illness (requiring a doctor’s note) or a family emergency.