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UNITED STATES HISTORY

The workshop for US AP teachers, designed for both novice and experienced US AP teachers, is designed to include all the major topics addressed in a US AP course. The workshop will focus on the methods of instruction, best materials, resources, web sites, and technology components for a well designed course. Methods of improving student writing skills will be a major objective of the workshop along with a comprehensive review of the scoring process of the national US AP exam. Teachers will be provided with a binder of resources with suggested activities and a CD ROM containing thousands of AP level essay question, web sites and sample lessons. Complementary textbooks and supplementary reading texts will also be provided.

Participants are asked to bring a sample U.S. AP lesson to share with other U.S. AP teachers at the session.

Tuesday

  1. Material Review and introductions 
    1. review of AP packet handouts 
    2. introduction of participants
    3. clarification of the goals and expectations of AP
    4. �equity and access� � reaching out to more students
    5. history of AP and controversies (�gate keeping�)
  2. Identification of �What�s New� in US AP 
    1. www.collegeboard.org
    2. AP Central � important updates
    3. web sites for AP teachers and students (CD resource)
    4. initiatives in AP (Building Success, Vertical Teams)
    5. curriculum development and planned courses (state standards)
    6. pre-prepared planned courses � commercial products
    7. the new �AP Audit� process - sample syllabi 

Wednesday

  1. Analysis of the AP exam 
    1. sample graded AP exams and scoring guides 
    2. clarification of the skills and content being tested
    3. clarification of the scoring process
    4. samples from the 2006 US AP reading
    5. US AP �Funnies�

Thursday

  1. Diverse Strategies for teaching AP � Classroom Connections 
    1. sample lesson plans, writing projects, research papers
    2. suggestions for support materials (videos, computer programs, etc.)
    3. AP CD � uses with your students
    4. textbooks for US AP � textbook samples and analysis
    5. teach a lesson � Grenville � Townshend � North - chart
    6. teach a lesson � Liberal Reform vs. Conservative
    7. Reaction � timeline chart
    8. teach a lesson � Sexuality and Religion � internet lesson
    9. teach a lesson � Child Labor and Industrialization � internet lesson

Friday

  1. Strategies for helping students prepare for the exam 
    1. test taking tips and test preparation - PowerPoint
    2. how to demystify the exam for students
    3. �homemade� DBQ�s
    4. teach a lesson � create a homemade DBQ
    5. multiple choice strategies
    6. teach a lesson � practice multiple choice
  2. Preparing for this year�s DBQ 
    1. samples available (developing a thesis and brainstorming)
    2. guessing the topics � What are some trends?
  3. Strategies for improving your AP program 
    1. staying current � attending conferences and summer institutes
    2. network with other AP teachers � become an exam reader
  4. Exchange of �Best Practices� 
    1. share ideas with others
    2. sample lessons from participants
    3. panel discussion
  5. Open discussion 
    1. concluding questions and evaluation of conference

Edmund Austin - Ed was the US AP teacher, Department Chair and Social Studies Lead Teacher at William Tennent High School in Bucks County Pennsylvania. He has presented workshops for the College Board Advanced Placement program in Delaware, Maryland, New York, Pennsylvania, Florida and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Ed is an experienced reader for the US AP exam and is presently a certified consultant and national leader for the College Board. In 2004, Ed was a semi-finalist for "Pennsylvania Teacher of the Year". Ed�s most recent published article is titled �Slavery in Bucks County Pennsylvania�.

"I am beyond impressed with the instructor’s knowledge and presentation skills. It is apparent he cares about preparing teachers for the challenge of AP U.S. History."

- Past Client