AP® Pre-Calculus (New and Experienced Teachers)

Course Description 

During this AP Precalculus APSI, you’ll explore the course framework, the exam, and the new AP resources that will help you plan and focus instruction—and give you feedback throughout the year on the areas where individual students need additional focus. You’ll also learn about completing the digital activation process at the start of the school year that will give you immediate access to the new resources and will help ensure that your students can register for AP Exams by the new fall deadlines. By attending this APSI, you’ll gain deeper insight into the following key takeaways, among several others: Understand the Course; Plan the Course; Teach the Course; Assess Student Progress; and Engage as a Member of the AP Community. In addition, specific attention will be paid to the following AP Classroom resources: unit guides, personal progress checks, AP teacher community, and the AP question bank.

This course is for those who are new to teaching the AP Precalculus course or have taught it before. Topics taught in the AP Precalculus curriculum will be introduced with notes, demonstrations, problem solving activities and cooperative learning. Group discussions will focus on the issues of teaching an AP Precalculus course – such issues will come from the needs and interests of the participants in the institute. Participants should bring a graphing calculator. Incorporating technology in the teaching of AP Precalculus and calculator active questions will be discussed. Reading AP Precalculus Free Response questions will also be explored. Participants will be encouraged to share their own experiences and if possible demonstrate techniques, lessons, software, etc, which they have used successfully themselves.

About the Presenter

Cedric French has taught math for 30 years. He taught Pre-AP High School Math (all levels) and AP Calculus AB/BC at Westside High School in Houston, Texas for 16 years and now at Katy Taylor High School for 9 years. Also 2 years teaching AP Precalculus. He has been a College Board Consultant since 2004 and has presented at many AP Precalculus and Calculus Workshops and APSIs. In 2005 he was awarded Teacher of the Year for all Houston ISD secondary schools. In 2024 he became a National Board Certified Teacher. He has been an AP Calculus Reader 2008-2023 and an AP Precalculus Question Leader 2024-2025.