Advanced Placement Summer Institutes at UM Focus on Developing Strong AP Curriculum

July 7, 2009

Teachers, counselors, and coordinators from across the region will gather at the University of Mississippi July 20 to 24 to gain insight and direction into how to implement and conduct successful Advanced Placement programs in their school districts.

The 4th annual University of Mississippi Advanced Placement Summer Institute (APSI) will offer five summer institutes: Calculus AB, US History, English Literature and Composition, English Language and Composition, and US Government and Politics.

The APSI will provide teachers with an overview of the curriculum structure and content of these specific AP courses. Teachers will not only focus on developing AP curriculum for their own schools, but they will also hone their teaching skills. Particular attention will be given to the relationship of the APSI workshop to the AP exam.

“We not only want to create a beneficial learning environment for them, but we also hope to have a hand in the enhancement of student high school curriculums. We are excited about hosting educators on our campus,” said Mary Leach, AP Summer Institute Coordinator in the Division of Outreach and Continuing Education.

Both new and experienced teachers are encouraged to attend the workshops where they will gain the course content, teaching skills, and classroom strategies necessary to prepare students for the AP exam and college success.

“These teachers will learn how to teach the analytical skills that are necessary for college level work,” said Dr. Lynne Murchison, director of credit programs for the UM Division of Outreach and Continuing Education. Murchison also has 25 years experience teaching AP English Literature and Composition and prepared the equivalent online class for the University’s Independent Study High School.

“AP teachers are trying to raise the level of student thinking. They are teaching students how to problem solve, and how to analyze, synthesize, and evaluate information.”

Fees for the institutes include a $50 non–refundable deposit, as well as $550 tuition per person (add $25 for Pre–AP VT Science). Discounts are available to vertical teams of 4 or more teachers from the same school district. The tuition fee includes the cost of instruction, packet and all training supplies, four lunches, one special dinner, breaks, and breakfast refreshments. Tuition does not include housing, but teachers are encouraged to stay at the Inn at Ole Miss on the Oxford campus.

For more information contact Mary Leach at mleach@olemiss.edu or call 662-915-7847 or visit the Web site at www.outreach.olemiss.edu/ProfDev/teacher/apinstitute.