Mustang Advanced Program

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MAP Placement/Advanced Program Course Expectations and Procedures

Friendswood High School participates in the Advanced (AP) Program (AP) sponsored by College Board (www.collegeboard.com). MAP courses prepare learners for AP courses, which are equivalent to first-year college courses and are intended for students who possess proven ability, interest, and motivation to handle the extra workload and study requirements. The decision to take a MAP or AP course should not be taken lightly. It is strongly recommended any student considering MAP/AP courses seek advice from his/her counselor, parent(s), the course instructor, and current students enrolled in the particular AP course of interest. Student involvement in extra curricular activities should also be factored into MAP/AP course selection.

When considering MAP/AP courses, students must carefully consider the extra time commitment the courses entail. By definition, MAP/AP courses are demanding and require extensive homework and self-directed study. Therefore, a strong degree of motivational, organizational and time management skills are critical. As a result, extra points are awarded onto a student’s grade point average for every MAP and AP course taken. (See page 7 of the Academic Planning Guide)

In an effort to place students in appropriate level classes, admission criteria have been established for MAP and AP courses, which include: past performance, teacher recommendation, parental approval, and in some cases administration approval. Should a student register for a MAP/AP level course which his/her current teachers cannot recommend, parents will be asked to sign a Parent Override Form indicating they understand the student is applying for a course which is deemed inappropriate for the student at this time. Students receiving a parent override will be responsible for all course requirements, including summer reading.

When signing up for a MAP/AP level course, it is imperative to understand a schedule change will not be made until the end of the first nine weeks, or when there is no appropriate level to move down, a change will not be made until the end of the first semester. Schedule changes will only be made with the approval of the principal, counselor, teacher and parent. The grade earned will appear on the report card.

AP courses prepare students for the Advanced Placement examinations given by College Board in May. An advanced score, determined by the individual universities, on an AP exam can result in a college or university awarding credit, exempting from courses, or advanced standing. It is the student’s responsibility to research the individual colleges to better understand their policies in awarding AP credit. Please note there is a fee for each AP exam. Advanced Placement courses offered at Friendswood High School are listed below.

Procedures for MAP & AP Courses and MAP Courses Offered

In an effort to place students in appropriate level classes, admission criteria have been established for MAP and AP courses, which include: past performance, teacher recommendation, parental approval, and in some cases administration approval. Should a student register for a MAP/AP level course which his/her current teachers cannot recommend, parents will be asked to sign a Parent Override Form indicating they understand the student is applying for a course which is deemed inappropriate for the student at this time. Students receiving a parent override will be responsible for all course requirements, including summer reading.
 

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MAP Placement & Advanced Program Courses

For most students, qualifying for MAP Placement, or Advanced Program courses is based on student interest, past performance, teacher recommendation, and parental approval. Enrollment in these courses especially should be based on interest as well as ability, since the curriculum requires more advanced and intensive work. Advanced Program courses prepare a student for the Advanced Placement Examinations given by the College Board. A successful score, stipulated by the university, on an Advanced Program Examination determines the student’s college placement and/or credit for the courses taken in high school. Advanced Program courses offered at Friendswood High School are listed below: