Bedford High School Advanced Placement Classes

Bedford High School offers student an opportunity to receive college credit through the College Board program entitled Advanced Placement for College Credit. Advanced Placement offerings at Bedford cover a definitive curriculum outlined by the College board. To receive college credit, student will sign up in the spring for a standardized test that they will take for a fee during the month of May. For additional information, see your counselor.

Eligibility for these courses is based upon teacher recommendation, student achievement in the appropriate subject matter, standardized test scores, cumulative GPA, and subject GPA. Students will be expected to complete pre assigned reading and writing assignment prior to the first class meeting.

Advanced placement Classes:

AP American History/ Geography
AP Physics
AP Calculus
AP College English
AP Government and Politics
AP Biology
AP Statistics

For the student in the Class of 2010 and before, the grading scale in Advanced Placement courses is weighted as follows: A= 5.0, B= 4.0, C= 3.0, D= 1.0. Students enrolled in these courses should expect a more rigorous curriculum including term papers and other special projects tat are beyond the general level course requirement. Beginning with the class of 2011, the grading scale will be A= 4.0; B= 3.0; C= 2.0; D=1.0.

Other considerations with AP courses are:

1. Student enrolled in these offerings should review their own schedule relative to its degree of difficulty.
2. Bedford High School does not recommend an excessive number of AP classes in one academic school year.
3. An application for each AP course the student wishes to take must be turned in with course selection and required signature. Remember that filling out and application doesn't guarantee AP placement. Applications may be picked up in the counseling office.
4. Students must complete the criteria outlined for admission to AP courses, as well as completion of pre-assigned reading and writing assignments prior to the first class meeting.

Note: Students accepted into and AP courses are expected to make at least a one term commitment to the course and will not be allowed to drop. No exceptions.

AP College English A- Course 0240
AP College English B- Course 0241
AP College English C- Course 0242

Grade: 12
Prerequisite: Fulfillment of criteria outlined for admission to AP classes

This advanced placement course in literature and composition engages student in the careful reading and critical analysis of imaginative literature from several genres and time periods. Through the close reading of selected texts, students deepen their understanding of the ways writers use language to provide both meaning and pleasure for their readers. As they read, students consider a work's elements as the use of figurative language, imagery, symbolism, and tone. Careful attention to both textual interpretation and historical contex provide a foundation for interpretation.. Emphasis is placed on a variety of sentence structures, including use of subordinate and coordinate constructions. This class prepares student to take the AP Literature and Composition Examination.

AP Calculus A- Course 3090
AP Calculus B- Course 3091
AP Calculus C- Course 3092
Grade: 12
Prerequisite: Honors Pre-calculus or Pre-calculus and Admission to the AP Program

This course is a fast paced AP Calculus Class designed to prepare a student for the Advanced Placement Calculus AB test. The course covers Limits, the Derivative, and Integration with algebraic, trigonometric, logarithms and exponential functions. The course covers traditional analytical algebraic methods along with a graphical approach using graphing calculators. The student will gain experience with the fundamentals and with a wide variety of applications.

AP Statistics A- Course 3520
AP Statistics B- Course 3521
AP Statistics C- Course 3522
Grade: 12
Prerequisite: Honors Pre-Calculus or Pre-Calculus and admission to the AP program

At least one statistics course is typical required for majors such as engineering, psychology, sociology, health science, and business. This year long course is intended to introduce students to the major concepts and tools for collecting, analyzing, and drawing conclusions from dad. Topics include:

Exploring Data: Observing patterns and departures from patters
Planning a Study: Deciding how and what to measure
Anticipating Pattern: Producing models using probability and simulation
Statistical Inference: Confirming models

Students who successfully complete this course and score within a required range on the AP Statistics Test given in May, have the opportunity to obtain college credit for a statistics course at a cost much less than tuition.

AP Government and Politics A- Course 1170
AP Government and Politics B- Course 1171
AP Government and Politics C- Course 1172
Grades: 11, 12
Prerequisite: Application form; 3.7 GPA minimum, passage of 8th grade Social Studies MEAP with a Level 1 or 2 score; minimum 90th percentile on 9th grade standardized test; recommendation of current English and Social Studies teachers; concurrent enrollment in Honors English is recommended.

Students in this advanced class study the political underpinnings of the American governmental system. Extensive outside reading and research is required. This class prepares the student to take the college-level AP Government and Politics test in the spring. (Juniors may substitute this class for American Government.)

AP U.S. History and Geography A- Course1040
AP U.S. History and Geography B- Course 1041
AP U.S. History and Geography C- Course 1042
Grades: 10, 11, 12
Prerequisite: Application Form; 3.7 GPA minimum, passage of 8th grade Social Studies MEAP with a Level 1 or 2 score; minimum 90th percentile on 9th grade standardized test; recommendation of current English and Social Studies teachers; concurrent enrollment in Honors English is recommended.

Students in this fast-paces advanced class study American History and Geography at a greater depth than regular classes. Emphasis on advanced readings and interpretations occur. This class prepares the student to take the college-level AP History and Geography test in the spring. Summer reading will be required due to the pace and length of the textbook. (Sophomores may substitute this class for U.S. History and Geography. Juniors and Seniors may enroll for elective credit.)

AP Biology A- Course 2170
AP Biology B- Course 2171
AP Biology C- Course 2172
Grades: 11, 12
Prerequisite: B or better in Biology

This Advanced Placement course is designed to be the equivalent of a two-term college introductory biology course. The student will obtain experience in scientific inquiry through research and laboratory exercises, which integrate the major topics of biology. Student will also apply their knowledge of biology and critical thinking to social concerns. Upon completion of this course, students will be eligible to take the Advanced Placement Biology Exam with the possibility of receiving college credit.

AP Physics A- Course 2100
AP Physics B- Course 2101
AP Physics C- Course 2102
Grades: 11, 12
Prerequisite: Completion of Algebra 2

Students will experience and in-depth description of kinematics, energy, hear, light, electricity, and magnetism. The information will be taught through lecture, media presentations, and lab exercises. Regular tests, homework, and lab reports will be the basis for grade evaluation. Towards the end of the school year, student will have the opportunity to take the algebra-based physics Advanced Placement Exam with the possibility of receiving college credit.