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Director: Patricia Henry
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(814) 332-3101

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Schedule

The Courses (as described by the instructors)

Chemistry

AP Chemistry participants can expect to leave Allegheny with a completed syllabus, completion of 10 or more AP laboratory experiments, textbook, laboratory and materials' decisions, as well as exposure to software and digital technologies. Mornings will be devoted to AP chemistry content, unique methodologies and pedagogy. Afternoons will focus on the completion of chemistry experiments—all performed with the TI83+, CBL, and appropriate sensors.

English Language & Composition

This class will discuss, evaluate, and investigate the AP Language and Composition Essay and multiple choice questions from past AP Exams including the new 2007 examination. Practices and teaching strategies for each section of the examination will be shared, explored and examined. The class will investigate and practice holistic scoring and develop appropriate assessment vehicles for language and rhetoric. The class will emphasize, but certainly not be limited to, the 2007 examination and its changes. The synthesis question and the uses of citation will be studied. Participants will create materials and lessons for their own classes. At the end of the class, participants will be required to submit a course of study or a syllabus as a final project.

English Literature & Composition

This course will provide breadth and depth in preparation for teaching the AP Literature & Composition class.

Like all worthy workshops, this coming together will provide a marketplace of ideas about teaching the class and preparing students for the exam. The course will combine some philosophical and pedagogical discussion with the nuts and bolts of skill development. Participants will have a chance to work on a prospective course of study or sample lesson for the AP class and are encouraged to bring course materials with them. The emphasis will be on techniques, strategies, activities, and class format. The course will examine the AP exam, discuss scoring rubrics and work with range finders. The goal will be to give participants the tools to teach and to implement strategies in September.

European History

This course provides participants with a content overview that covers the period from the late Middle Ages to the present time. The instructor will focus on the development of the materials and how to apply them in the organizing of a course. The participant will develop the economic, political and social themes necessary in a European History course. The writing of better document-based as well as free response essays and how to score higher on multiple choice exams will be emphasized. The course will also focus on getting students to analyze materials and apply them to historical situations. Participants will also develop a course syllabus and prepare a course audit when appropriate.

Government & Politics - U.S.

The course will enable the teacher to develop/improve a syllabus around the six major themes of the AP course and exam: (1) the Constitution; (2) Political Beliefs and Behaviors; (3) Political Parties, Interest Groups, and Mass Media; (4) National Government Institutions; (5) Public Policy; and (6) Civil Rights and Civil Liberties. The course will also examine and illustrate different methods for teaching the course in each of these areas and allow teachers to develop strategies to assist students in traditionally difficult areas, enabling them to better prepare for the AP exam.

APSI is supported by Allegheny College's Center for Political Participation (CPP), which seeks to promote political participation, particularly among young people, through campus activities, scholarly research and educational outreach.

Statistics

After taking this course, teachers will know what they need to understand and convey to their students regarding the four broad conceptual themes of AP Statistics as outlined in the College Board AP Statistics course book. They will have experienced a wide variety of hands-on activities and computer and calculator simulations that enhance the teaching and learning of statistics, and will have gained experience with the structure and types of questions that students can expect to encounter on the AP Statistics exam.

U.S. History

This course provides students with an overview of the basic structure and content necessary for an Advanced Placement U.S. History course. The instructor emphasizes the practical aspects involved in teaching an AP course in U.S. History. Samples of multiple-choice and essay questions, including the document-based question, are reviewed in class. Attention is also given to how standards are established for scoring student responses. Participants will learn to develop or modify course curriculum, examine various teaching models to approach course instruction, practice innovative techniques to aid students in writing persuasive essays, and be exposed to historic ideas, themes, and primary documents.