Board Policy

BP 6141.5

Instruction

Honors, Advanced Placement, And Accelerated Level Courses

General

Honors, advanced placement, and/or accelerated courses shall be offered at the high school and intermediate schools, if minimum enrollment requirements are satisfied.

Philosophy

Teachers are well qualified to recognize the talents of their students and identify those most likely to be successful in honors, advanced placement, or accelerated courses. The principal and/or academic counselor may also place students in these classes. Additionally, an alternative means by which students may enroll in these courses shall be developed by staff and communicated to parents/guardians and students. The criteria used of this purpose will be both qualitative and quantitative.

Information provided to parents/guardians shall be clear as to the alternative means to seek enrollment without teacher recommendation. To assist parents/guardians in the decision-making process, differences between honors courses and those courses not labeled as such shall be fully delineated.

The procedures of qualifying students for enrollment in honors or accelerated courses will be inclusive. Staff will make concerted efforts to identify and encourage students to enroll in such courses.

Grading Practices

Changes in the placements criteria shall not result in a lowering of the standards associated with honors, advanced placement, or accelerated courses. This policy recognizes that these courses are not appropriate for all students and those advising students and parents/guardians regarding enrollment in such courses, shall have a responsibility to be honest as to the student's likelihood of success.

Grades earned by students enrolled in honors and advanced placement courses are expected to be consistently at the "B" or better level.

Teachers will identify students who are having difficulty early in the semester/trimester and communicate the situation to the parent/guardian. Early intervention strategies designed to minimize negative consequences are expected for those who are not successful.

In order to permit identification by college and university admission officials, grades earned in honors and advanced placement courses shall be designated on the student's transcript with an H and/or an AP, respectively.

Policy PALOS VERDES PENINSULA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

adopted: May 24, 2001 Palo Verdes Estates, California