As new course selection sheets become apparent for the upcoming school year, students question the new classes that have become available. The drive for student success in AP and AICE classes has been perceptible within CCHS, and is being unveiled for this year’s courses.
Classes including, Geography honors, is no longer an option for the incoming freshmen. Students are given choices of higher level courses including Pre-AP or Pre-AICE. However, Pre-AP or Pre-AICE credit is equivalent to the credit given in an honors course.
“They are still going to count as an honors class for your GPA,” junior Guidance Counselor Cheryl Chartrand said. “It’s geared towards preparation of an AP class, this way it isn’t as overwhelming of a transition to a student the following year.”
The preparation and transition going into a college level class can be mentally challenging for students.
‘Giving students time to time to prepare and gain the study skills for an AP or AICE can be very beneficial,” senior Dylan Bober said. “The earlier you adjust the better, a ramp to get prepared for these classes can be very helpful.”
Having a class that promotes techniques and skills to slowly ease students into the AP and AICE learning environment can be highly beneficial.
Yet, many students around CCHS have opinions regarding the new course changes. Some said that the classes aren’t reliable and it is a waste of a class.
“Personally I think that Pre-AP classes aren’t really that beneficial,” sophomore Chiara Ambrosini said. “They basically just give you an honors class but slap a ”Pre-AP” or “Pre-AICE” label in front of it, which may give students the wrong impression of what it’s like to take an Advanced Placement [course].”
Many students throughout CCHS have very similar opinions about the new class. However, because this is a new course this year, no students in CCHS have taken it with first-hand experience.
Much of the concern stems from the belief that taking an AP or AICE class with a similar rigorous aspect will not result in the same GPA boost as taking the actual class.
“I don’t agree with the new classes because it has the same concept as taking a normal honors class,” junior Ali Sari said. “It would be more ideal for the school to advertise for just AP and AICE classes, instead of promoting students to waste a whole year on “preparing” for an AP or AICE.”
The school strives for students’ success especially when it associates with Advanced Placement classes. Instead of offering a year for preparation in these courses, students around CCHS have suggested alternative solutions that they think will better prepare students for higher order thinking skills.
“I personally believe that taking an optional summer course to help develop AP and AICE learning techniques could possibly be a better solution than using up an entire year for practicing college level skills,” junior Megan Bermudez said. “Students can be in the mindset of a college placement class without losing out on the opportunity of a 6 point GPA boost.”
A summer class can be a great substitute over the long year Pre-AP or Pre-AICE. Although some students are against the change, many are for it.
“I think Pre-AP classes are really good because it helps you understand the material that you will be going over in those AP classes,” sophomore Jay Nemec said.” It definitely helps get you ready for the course and I wish they had these options earlier. Learning to adapt into the high curricular learning environment can be a challenge.”
Taking a Pre-AP or Pre-AICE is not required before stepping into the AP or AICE classes. Therefore, students can choose the classes they believe are most suitable for themselves, without getting overwhelmed or burnt out.
