Course Description 

During this AP Biology 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.

Course Objectives

Participants in this in-depth training will increase their knowledge of and comfort level with the AP Biology Curriculum, including an in-depth review of the AP Biology Course and Exam Description (CED), and they will learn how to plan their course around the CED.  A focus is on using the course content with a point of emphasis on how to incorporate science practices into your content.

We will perform a version of some of the labs from the new lab manual, and

conduct some effective and inexpensive alternative labs with Unit 4.  We will do investigations that could be used as Take-Home Labs and discuss how to tweak labs you currently use to make them more student-driven and inquiry-based.  Also, other take-home experiments or project opportunities will be discussed.

Various teaching and learning strategies will be introduced in order for participants to fully integrate the science practices into their daily classroom. Additionally,  resources that integrate the science practices will be used during the week. In addition, time will be spent familiarizing ourselves with the format, sample questions, and grading of the AP Biology exam.

We will also look at the scope and sequence of the course with time being

dedicated to your own course syllabus and lesson planning.

I will share a google drive with all the resources for teaching AP Biology. These resources include pacing guides, suggested activities including case studies, Data Nuggets and other activities. AP Exam review ideas included.

Items Needed:

Laptop Computer ideally, (tablet would work) and School Calendar

• I will share a google drive with all the resources for teaching AP Biology. These resources include pacing guides, suggested activities including case studies, Data Nuggets and other activities. AP Exam review ideas included.
• Access to your classroom resources.

About the Presenter

Mark Little

Mark Little had been a science teacher at Broomfield High School in Colorado for 32 years and has taught AP Biology for about 20 years and retired at the end of 2018.  He has been very involved with the AP Biology re-design, including and not limited to field-testing some of the laboratory investigations and helping with the new CED.  Mark has been an AP Reader and Table Leader for over fifteen years at the reading along with being an item writer for the exam. Mark received his BS degree from Colorado State University and his Masters from the University of Denver.

Mark incorporates the new curriculum framework ideas in his workshop and his focus for his institutes is to help the AP Biology come alive for students He incorporates the information learned in his workshops and stays current using research-based, pedagogically sound instructional strategies.  Mark is involved with the AP Biology Teacher community and offers help to teachers directly in these groups. Mark is a National Board Certified and has been recognized for his teaching by receiving various awards, including the Outstanding Biology Teacher Award for the state of Colorado in 2005. Since 2014, Mark has lead AP workshops in Alabama, Arizona, Minnesota, Montana and California. Mark was President of the National Association of Biology Teachers (NABT) in 2013 and currently still very involved with the organization.  In 2024, he received NABT’s highest award, Honorary Membership by being recognized for his teaching, research, or service in the biological sciences.  He enjoys reading, fly fishing and golfing and traveling with his wife in his free time.

Course Description 

During this AP Chemistry 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.

About the Presenter

Michael Farabaugh

Michael Farabaugh has taught chemistry and AP Chemistry since 1998, and currently teaches at Albemarle High School in Charlottesville, VA. He earned a B.S. in Chemistry from the College of William and Mary, a M.S. in Chemistry from Michigan State University, and a M.T. in Science Education from the University of Virginia. He has been an AP Reader since 2011, and has served as a member of the AP Chemistry Test Development Committee (2020 – 2024). He has also led study sessions for students and workshops for teachers as a consultant for AP Chemistry with the National Math and Science Initiative. He has been a presenter at the Biennial Conference for Chemical Education (BCCE) in 2022 and 2024. He also presented at the ChemEd conference in 2023. He is a contributor for ChemEd X. He currently serves as the immediate past president on the Governing Board for the American Association of Chemistry Teachers (AACT).

Session Description 

During this AP Environmental Science 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.

About the Presenter

Pam Shlachtman

Pam Shlachtman currently teaches A.P. Environmental Science at Miami Palmetto Senior High School. She has served as a science instructor in the Miami-Dade Public School System since the mid 1980’s, many of those as chairperson of the science department. With a B.S. in Chemistry and a M.S. in Environmental and Urban Systems, Pam served as an adjunct professor at Florida International University for over 10 years. Her professional accomplishments include designing and reviewing science curriculum for the Miami-Dade County Public School System, consulting for the College Board in Advanced Placement Environmental Science, participating in the AP annual reading since 2000 (serving as a table, question leader and exam leader), contributing to several AP Curriculum Modules and the current Curriculum and Exam Design description, and being a former member of the Test Development Committee for A.P. Environmental Science. Pam has taught AP Environmental Science since its inaugural offering in 1997 and has workshops and APSIs since the late 1990s. In addition to numerous academic achievements, Science Teacher of the Year awards, and awards for Outstanding Leadership in Environmental Science, Pam has spent more than 30 years working with students to prepare for Envirothon, North America’s largest environmental competition.

Course Description 

This workshop will help teachers to improve the planning and delivery of the AP Physics 1 course so that teachers can help their students to acquire and retain a more thorough understanding of physics and perform better on the AP Exam.

Throughout the week we will discuss the exam format, the curriculum framework, the science practices, learning objectives, and the importance of inquiry-based activities and labs while working collaboratively. In addition to focused instruction in content areas, lab work in areas of interest, inquiry-based activities and pedagogical tools and tricks will be shared. Participants will engage in activities to develop a sense of the scope of the Physics 1 course. A comprehensive set of ancillary resources will be shared with all participants.

Learning Objectives

• Understand or know how to find the content that is covered in the curriculum, the associated science practices, the format of the exam and the kinds of questions students will be expected to answer.
• Design and deliver effective inquiry-based lessons and lab activities.
• Expand the reach of your AP Physics program through the use of inquiry, science practices, and real-world problems.

What to Have

• A laptop computer or handheld device with internet and file capability. We will use these frequently. Most materials will be distributed electronically.
• A well-rested, enthusiastic mind that is ready to explore, learn and share.
• Paper, pencil, calculator. 

About the Presenter

Rebecca Howell

Rebecca Howell has been teaching AP Physics since 2000 in the North Atlanta Metro area. She has always loved math and science. While she has taught every AP Physics Course, she currently teaches AP Physics C: Mechanics and AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism at Lambert High School in Suwanee, Georgia. She has worked as a Question Leader, Table Leader, and Reader at the annual AP Physics Reading from 2003-2020. Rebecca served as a member of the AP Physics 2 test development committee, as the College Board Advisor from 2013-2018. Rebecca has presented several times at the American Association of Physics Teachers’ National Meeting. She has worked with the Georgia Department of Education in presenting one-day workshops since 2007. From 2012 – 2017, Rebecca served as a Master Teaching Fellow through the Noyce I-IMPACT Teaching Fellowship Program at Kennesaw State University mentoring new Physics and AP Physics teachers while earning her Teacher Leader Endorsement. She was selected as 2019 and 2023 STAR teacher for Lambert and the school district. In 2020 she was awarded the E. Scott Barr award for Physics Teaching Excellent presented by the University of Alabama. She is the Head Coach for the Science Olympiad and Physics Teams. During summer break, Mrs. Howell travels to various universities to lead College Board workshops. She enjoys working with new teachers. When not teaching, she enjoys spending time with her family. She loves coffee, being outside, making stuff, Disney, StarWars, Harry Potter, and going on adventures. 

Course Description

During this AP African American Studies 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.

About the Presenter

Aaron Reid

Aaron Reid has taught AP English Language and Composition at E.C. Glass High School since 2010, during which time he has served as English Department Chair. A certified College Board Consultant, Aaron has served at the AP Reading since 2012 in roles ranging from Reader to Table Leader. He has led APSIs for three years at the University of Illinois Springfield, the University of North Carolina, the College of William and Mary, and Davidson College.

In 1998 Aaron earned a BA Degree in English along with his Virginia Teaching License from Lynchburg College and, in 2020, an MA in English Literature from the University of Texas Permian Basin. Most recently Aaron was awarded the Outstanding Speech/Debate Educator for 2022 in the state of Virginia. Aaron is also a leader in the AP Advocates program for the state of Virginia.

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.

Course Objectives

In this AP Precalculus APSI, participants will learn all about AP Precalculus from a broad view of the course down to specific units, topics, and learning objectives. Participants will explore AP Classroom, the 2024 and 2025 AP Exams and scoring guidelines, instructional planning reports, and explore many activities, resources, and strategies that can prepare them to teach the AP Precalculus course with confidence. Teachers will walk away from the workshop with a beginning long-term course plan, myriad lessons and activities, comfort with the CED, places to find other resources, and connections with peers in the AP teaching community.

Learning Objectives: By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to

• understand the structure of the Course and Exam Description
• understand the layout and format of the AP Precalculus Exam
• find and incorporate AP exam task models and scoring guidelines in their classrooms
• improve equity and access to AP Precalculus in their schools
• use AP Classroom to find and create resources and assessments
• find and utilize teaching and assessment resources and strategies from other teachers
• create a beginning course plan by unit and topic
• identify student strengths and weaknesses using tools like AP Classroom and the Instructional Planning Report

About the Presenter

David Hornbeck

David Hornbeck is a teacher and Math Team coach at Rockdale Magnet School for Science and Technology in Conyers, Georgia. He currently teaches Precalculus, AP Precalculus, and AP Statistics. He previously taught at Eastside High School in Covington, GA for 7 years. David is a member of the Georgia Council of Teachers of Mathematics (GCTM) and the Georgia Association of AP Mathematics Teachers (GAAPMT), which he serves on the board of. He was an AP Statistics exam reader from 2019-2023, but made the switch to Precalculus for the 2024 reading, where David was an early table leader. He has presented numerous sessions at the Georgia Mathematics Conference and is passionate about helping educators create their own lessons, assessments, and other materials that can engage their students in mathematical thinking and make mathematics come alive for them. David received the Teacher of Excellence Award from GCTM in 2023, is a recipient of two Yale Distinguished Educator awards, and has received the Georgia STAR award three times. In his free time, David enjoys spending time with his wife, MaryBeth, and his 3-year old son, Cedric. He also enjoys woodworking, playing guitar, and doing crossword puzzles.

Course Description

This comprehensive workshop is designed to help all teachers of AP Spanish Language and Culture, whether they are new to AP or have years of experience and are looking to refresh and refine their teaching. We will cover all aspects of the course and exam, from designing and planning the course to implementing and assessing instruction. We will explore the Course and Exam Description and provide guidance on how to design and pace the course. We will also cover the six themes of the course, the three modes of communication (interpretive, interpersonal and presentational), and the role of culture. We will explore sources for authentic materials, and place a special focus on AP Classroom and its many resources that can enhance our teaching. Sample classroom activities and materials will be provided, and participants will have multiple opportunities to work collaboratively and share best practices for developing student proficiency. In addition, we will develop thematic units that the participants can take and use in their classes.

Some specific topics that will be covered are:

• How to apply the scoring guidelines to student samples of the free response questions
• How to sign up for the AP Audit
• How to become a member of the AP Community
• How to ensure equity and access for our students
• How to develop vocabulary 
• How to incorporate literature into the language course
• How to develop cultural proficiency using the 3 Ps
• How to most effectively use AP Classroom resources, such as AP Daily Videos, Personal Progress Checks and the AP Question Bank

About the Presenter

David Hornbeck

Kris Campos has been a Spanish teacher at Cedar Park High School in the suburbs of Austin, Texas since 2008, where she also serves as Department Chair for Languages other than English and Sponsor of the Sociedad Honoraria Hispánica. Prior to moving to Texas, she taught for 10 years at Topeka West High School in Topeka, Kansas. Kris has taught AP Spanish Language and Culture for 25 years, and has also taught all other levels of Spanish, from Spanish I through AP Spanish Literature. She has participated in the AP Reading since 2004, as a Reader, Table Leader, Sample Selector and most recently as Question Leader. In addition to serving as an AP Consultant and AP Mentor, Kris has also presented workshops at local conferences and served as a mentor for new AP teachers in her district. She received both her Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees from Kansas State University.

Course Description

During this AP English Language and Composition 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.

About the Presenter

Beth Hall

After earning her MFA in Creative Writing in 2014, Beth Hall began her career as a high school English teacher, quickly finding a passion for teaching nonfiction and helping students hone their writing skills.

In 2019, she began a YouTube channel called Coach Hall Writes as a medium to allow her to supplement her students’ instruction outside the classroom. Hall’s videos quickly gained notoriety among AP® Language and Composition teachers and students because of the videos’ conciseness and clarity. In 2020, the Coach Hall Writes YouTube Channel was listed as one of the top resources AP® Lang teachers felt was most helpful in preparing their students for the AP® Language and Composition exam. After serving as an AP® Lang reader for multiple years, Hall became a College Board consultant in 2023.

Course Description

During this AP English Literature and Composition 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.

Course Overview and Objectives:

In this workshop, participants will learn the essentials for designing (or refining) an exciting, effective and joyful AP English Literature class.  Over the course of four days, participants will accomplish the following actions:

1. Use the AP^® Course and Exam Description (CED) to create a compelling and creative syllabus
2. Learn ways to make AP English Literature more equitable and accessible to all students
3. Work on powerful strategies for helping students score well on all components on the AP^® English Literature Exam:  the Multiple Choice section, the Prose and Poetry Analysis Essays, and the Literary Argument (Q3) Essay.
4. Evaluate sample student essays of all three types by application of the AP^® Essay Analytic Rubric
5. Become familiar with the features of AP^® Central, AP^® Classroom, Instructional Reports, and the AP^®Community in order to improve and enrich instruction
6. Discover ways to help students improve their writing skills—from writing effective thesis statements and establishing lines of reason to embedding well-chosen evidence into body paragraphs and writing powerful introductions and conclusions.

Course Agenda:

Day 1:  Overview and Multiple Choice:

1. Welcome and Introductions
2. Making Classroom Structures
3. Overview of the Week and Learning Objectives
4. Overview of the AP English Literature Course and Exam
5. Expanding AP Access and Equity
6. Diving into the CED
7. Syllabi Requirements and Sample Syllabi
8. Using AP Classroom
9. Multiple Choice Strategies

Day 2:  Poetry—Units 2, 5, and 8

1. What is Poetry?
2. The Elements of Poetry
3. Teaching to Analyze Poetry Effectively in both Formal and Informal Ways
4. Creating Poetry
5. Writing Focus:  Effective Thesis Statements and Introductions; Establishing a Line of Reasoning
6. The AP English Literature Essay Rubric for Poetry
7. Scoring Sample Student Poetry Analysis Essays

Day 3:  Prose—Units 1, 4, and 7

1. What is Prose?
2. The Elements of Prose
3. Teaching Students to Analyze Prose Effectively
4. Writing Focus:  Developing Paragraphs, Embedding Quotations, Selecting Evidence
5. The AP English Literature Essay Rubric for Prose
6. Scoring Sample Student Prose Analysis Essays

Day 4:  Major Works (Novels and Plays)—Units 3, 6, and 9.  Final Reflections

1. Course Evaluations
2. What is Q3?
3. Ways to Prepare Students for Q3
4. Writing Focus:  Earning the Sophistication Point, Ways to Structure Essays, Writing Effective Conclusions
5. The AP English Literature Essay Rubric for Q3
6. Scoring Sample Student Q3 Essays
7. Using Instructional Reports to Guide Future Instruction
8. Creating a Joyful Classroom Environment
9. Syllabus Planning Time
10. Assess and Reflect

About the Presenter

Davis Thompson

Davis Thompson has been teaching AP English Literature and Composition at Auburn High School in Auburn, Alabama for the past twenty-six years, and he has loved every minute of it.  His greatest passion is teaching students both how to analyze and how to enjoy poetry.  Davis has been the coach and sponsor for Poetry Out Loud (a national poetry recitation contest) at his school for the past thirteen years and has helped his students win the Alabama State Championship five times, 3^rd place in the nation one time, and the National Poetry Out Loud Championship itself in 2011.  Davis also has had experience through NEH Institutes studying Shakespeare both as an actor and teacher as well as dabbling in some philosophy.  In addition to AP English Literature, he has taught IB English Literature, IB Theory of Knowledge, and Creative Writing.  Davis holds a B.A. in English from Furman University (1996) and a M.A. in English Education from Auburn University (1997).  He works as a College Board Consultant and AP Reader for AP English Literature.  When asked by students, “Why do we have to read this?” Davis has a simple one word answer (that is also his life philosophy):  “Joy.”

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

David Hornbeck

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.