Enrolling in Pre-AP is based on the belief that we can prepare every student for higher intellectual engagement by starting the development of skills and acquisition of knowledge as early as possible.Pre-AP strategies and tools engage the students in active, high-level learning, thereby ensuring that all middle and high school student develops the skills, habits of mind, and concepts they need to succeed in college.

Any student with the guidance of a parent, teacher and counselor can enter a Pre-AP course. Students are able to enroll in Pre-AP with the understanding that the courses will contain rigor and high expectations.

Seventh grade Accelerated Math is a pathway that “accelerates” a student’s math curriculum by combining three years (7th grade math, 8th grade math, and 9th grade Algebra 1) of math standards into two years.The expectation is that students will master all seventh grade math standards and a great portion of eighth grade standards in the accelerated course. If the student is successful in the accelerated course, he/she could then enroll in eighth grade Algebra 1, where the remaining eighth grade math standards and all of the algebra standards will be addressed. Because of the acceleration component, the curriculum standards eighth grade algebra and ninth grade Algebra 1 are not the same standards.Students selecting this option should have extremely strong mathematical skills, organizational skills, and commitment to independent work. The math pacing is rigorous. Depending on student numbers in other math classes, once a student is placed in this accelerated class, it may not be possible to move back toPre-AP math or a regular math class. Beginning in the 2019-2020 school year, students must meet the required score on an accelerated math readiness exam in order to enroll in seventh grade accelerated math.

*8th Grade Algebra 1 will count as a math credit for graduation.

Accelerated Science is a pathway that “accelerates” a student’s science curriculum by combining four years (6th, 7th, 8th, and 9th grade Physical Science-Integrated) of science into three years.

If a student is successful in the sixth grade accelerated course, he/she could then enroll in seventh grade accelerated science. After successful completion of seventh grade accelerated science, the student could then enroll in eighth grade Physical Science-Integrated. Because of the acceleration component, the curriculum standards in eighth grade Physical Science-Integrated and ninth grade PhysicalScience-Integrated are not the same standards.Students selecting this option must have scored “Exceeding” on the science portion of the ACT Aspire in the spring of their fifth grade year. They should have extremely strong mathematical skills,organizational skills, and commitment to independent work. The science pacing is rigorous. Depending on student numbers in other science classes, once a student is placed in this accelerated class, it may not be possible to move back to a regular science class.

*8th Grade Physical Science-Integrated will count as a science credit for graduation.

If at any time the student’s performance is 69% or below for more than three consecutive weeks, the teachers will conference with the student and his parents to develop a plan for academic improvement.

Pre-AP courses are embedded with strategies that specifically target middle and junior high school students providing knowledge, concepts, and skills needed to engage in a higher level of learning that prepares them for the rigor of college level work. These classes prepare a student for the rigorous coursework of AP. The AP program offers college level instruction to the academically successful student while in high school with the option of taking the advanced placement examination to possibly qualify for college credit.

The decision about placement ultimately rests with the student and parent. The school provides powerful input through teacher recommendation, counselor input and communication regarding the challenges of the Pre-AP curriculum and information about indicators of student success. It is strongly suggested that parents and students review the Conway Pre-AP Indicators of Student Success and the Making Wise Choices Checklist before enrolling in Pre-AP courses.

Since Pre-AP teachers’ professional development explicitly supports the goal of college as an option for every student, it is important to have a recognized standard for college-level academic work. Pre-AP is a strategic method used in classrooms by teachers who are highly trained to help all students reach their potential. It will enhance the desire of those students who wish to pursue a more rigorous course of study in AP courses.

Pre-AP courses are open enrollment, but student, parent, and counselor input is imperative. Reviewing the Conway Schools Pre-AP Indicators of Student Success is strongly recommended

As in any coursework where there will be additional challenges, students who choose to enroll should be prepared for the added academic rigor of the course. Reviewing the Making Wise Choices Checklist will assist in questions regarding the scheduling and the number of enrolled Pre-AP courses.

Open enrollment refers to courses open to any student who wishes to take on the additional challenge ofthis rigorous curriculum having met certain preliminary criteria. This statement is based on the profoundhope that all students can perform at rigorous academic levels. The second premise upon which Pre-AP is based is the belief that we can prepare every student for higher intellectual engagement by starting thedevelopment of skills and acquisition of knowledge as early as possible.

Each school in the state of Arkansas  establishes procedures for the identification of gifted students and for the  delivery of services to those students, consistent with the Arkansas  Department of Education Gifted and Talented Rules and Regulations. In order  to have your child assessed, you will need to complete a referral. It would  be helpful if the information from the previous school was provided with the  referral. Your child's strengths and abilities may be assessed by an  identification committee, according to the Conway School District’s  procedures. For further information, contact the gifted and talented teacher  at your child’s school.

Federal law establishes policies and  procedures for special education, but gifted education policies and  procedures are established by state law.

Arkansas law allows school districts to  establish gifted education policies and procedures according to the needs and  interests of the local district. Arkansas requires all districts to implement  both objective and subjective assessments, however; districts may choose the type of assessments applied during the identification process.

Parents and school personnel may appeal  the decision of the committee by following the procedure established by the  district, usually by submitting a letter to the school gifted education teacher.

Eligibility decisions must be based on  multiple criteria which may include scores on valid and reliable tests or  assessments. Tests and other measures are ranked or scored according to the  procedures established by the districts committee. No single criterion shall  be used in determining students who qualify for, or are denied access to,  programs for the gifted.

AGATE is an  independent organization promoting excellence in education, particularly as  it relates to gifted and talented children and youth in Arkansas.AGATE works to educate its members and the Arkansas community as to the nature and needs of gifted  and talented children and youth, and to develop a community that recognizes,  nurtures, and rewards the fulfillment of the unique individual potential of each child.