To the Educator Addressed:
Since the implementation of the Texas Advanced Placement Incentive Program six years ago, considerable changes have occurred in middle and high schools throughout the state. In May 1994, the year before the incentive program, fewer than 30,000 Advanced Placement (AP) examinations were taken in the state. In May 2000, for the first time, Texas students took over 100,000 AP examinations. This incredible growth is a tribute both to the students themselves and to the parents, teachers, and administrators who encouraged them to take highly challenging course offerings.
As an educator, you are well aware of the correlation between student success in options such as AP and the type of curriculum that students have access to in their previous school years. Because of that correlation, the Texas Education Agency has sponsored AP vertical team training offered through the College Board for the past two years. Since this collaboration with the College Board began, over 5,000 middle and high school teachers have participated in the two-day vertical team workshops. Although the format is slightly different this year, with each workshop focusing on a specific AP subject area, there will continue to be six such workshops offered throughout the state. Additionally, there will be three workshops specifically designed for administrators as well as two designed for counselors.
Please review these materials and register for those workshops that best meet your needs. As in the past, priority will be given to districts that send middle and high school teachers as part of a team. It also is expected that the sessions will fill up quickly and registration is on a first come, first serve basis so do try to return the forms as soon as possible.
The Texas Education Agency is well aware of the commitment and
dedication shown by teachers throughout the state to assure student
success in AP courses. We wish you the best of luck in your
endeavors this year and hope you will contact the Division of
Advanced Academic Services if we can assist you in your efforts.
Sincerely,
Jim Nelson
Commissioner of Education
For further information on this topic, contact the Division of Advanced Academic Services.