AP and DC Credit Class Changes

The most important predictor of college success is an academically rigorous high school experience. Rigorous coursework in elementary and middle school provides students with the foundation to complete college-level coursework in high school. The opportunity to develop college readiness is the Advanced Placement Program® (AP®) offered by the College Board and the Dual Credit program in partnership with Navarro College. These two academically rigorous pathways provide students with the option to complete college-level coursework in high school and to prepare to be successful in college. 

When a student takes the AP exam in May, students who earn a score of 3 or higher on an AP Exam outperform non-AP students in college: they earn more credits, get higher grades, are more likely to return to college for a second year, and are more likely to earn a degree.

WISD strongly believes that Pre-AP, AP and Dual Credit courses provide enhanced academic opportunities for all students; the district also recognizes students may struggle academically. WISD encourages students and parents to monitor grades closely during the grading periods. If a student begins to struggle, it is encouraged that a parent/teacher conference is scheduled to create strategies to be implemented over a period of time that will aid in the student's success.

The Advanced Placement Program (AP) and Dual Credit focus on three critical goals: 

• Increasing rigor 
• Promoting equity 
• Developing critical knowledge and skills 

WISD strongly encourages educators to make equitable access a guiding principle for their AP programs by giving all willing and academically prepared students the opportunity to participate in AP.

Benefits of Pre-AP, AP, and Dual Credit for Students:

• Prepare for success in college by taking college-level courses while still in high school 
• Explore advanced topics — study in greater depth 
• Develop advanced skills — form disciplined study habits 
• Build confidence in the capability to succeed in college 
• Opportunity to earn awards and scholarships and improve chances of college admission
• Opportunity to earn college credit or advanced placement 
• Possible tuition savings 
• Appropriate placement in college courses 
• Flexibility to pursue a double major in college, combined B.A./M.A. programs, study abroad options

Preparation for Pre-AP, AP, and Dual Credit Courses:

• Academic preparation: willingness to work hard 
• Motivation: determination to succeed
  • The Pre-AP Program (grades 8-12) is a program offered to schools by the College Board. Pre-AP courses deliver grade-level appropriate instruction through focused course frameworks, instructional resources, and learning checkpoints. They are designed to support all students across varying levels of abilities through focus. Participating schools receive an official Pre-AP designation for each course and the opportunity to bring engaging, meaningful, foundational coursework to all their students at varying levels of abilities. This designation signals consistent, high standards in focused courses that help build, strengthen, and reinforce students’ content knowledge and critical thinking skills.
  • AP (grades 9-12) courses differ from regular high school courses in that instructors use an advanced curriculum outlined by the College Board and authorized through the College Board’s audit process. AP courses provide college-level instruction and culminate in AP exams that are designed by the College Board. Students who earn an appropriate score on the AP exam may receive college credit. Please check with your potential universities to understand AP transfer requirements. Visit the College Board site to assist in determining your college or university’s AP Credit acceptance policy.
  • Advanced (grades 10-12) courses are core classes that are not guided by the College Board but are foundational in preparation for AP and Dual Credit classes. 
  • Dual credit (grades 10-12) courses are college-level classes. Dual Credit courses are the same class that you would have if you attended the college accrediting the course. Again, students need to exhibit the maturity and responsibility of someone taking a college-level class. The student is financially responsible for the payment of classes and books in a dual credit class. The grade earned in a dual credit course will go on both the student's high school and college transcript and be incorporated into the student’s high school GPA. Dual credit courses cannot be taken for a higher grade at the high school level unless the student failed to earn credit in the dual credit course. It’s always recommended that you check with your potential universities to make sure the credit will be transferred.

Parents and students must sign and return a Student and Parent agreement prior to registering for Pre-AP, AP, advanced, or Dual Credit classes to be enrolled in the advanced class. While our upper-level advanced classes are open enrollment, we encourage you to review the class rigor and expectations both during the school day as well as outside the school day in regard to the level of expectation and time commitment. Please check with your student’s counselor if you have any questions. We recommend a “meets grade level” standard or higher on the STAAR/EOC as a good success indicator.

Please review the guidelines and recommendations below to be enrolled in Pre-AP, AP, advanced, and DC courses. 

1. As a student, I recognize that I have to demonstrate independence and responsibility. I must meet the highest standards of performance in any honors or advanced placement course. I understand that my success in this Pre-AP/AP/Advanced/Dual Credit course is primarily my responsibility. I commit to attending class, studying and doing well on exams/quizzes/projects, and turning in assignments on time.
2. I understand this class offers increased rigor and challenge, and I agree to request help when I need it and to attend tutorials if I fall behind in-class assignments or experience difficulty with course content. 
3. WISD strongly believes that Pre-AP, AP and Dual Credit courses provide enhanced academic opportunities for all students; the district also recognizes students may struggle academically.  WISD encourages students and parents to monitor grades closely during the grading periods. If a student begins to struggle, it is encouraged that a parent/teacher conference is scheduled to create strategies to be implemented over a period of time that will aid in the student's success.