TAMALPAIS UNION HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT
Larkspur, CA

Course of Study
	
ADVANCED PLACEMENT PSYCHOLOGY

I. INTRODUCTION

Advanced Placement Psychology is a challenging, one-semester, college-level elective course in behavioral science for students with a strong interest in this field. It follows the national AP Psychology curriculum designed to prepare students for the College Board AP Psychology examination. It is intended to provide a solid foundation on the basic theories and principals of psychology.    

The course helps students achieve the following Student Learning Outcomes:

#1: Communicate articulately, effectively, and persuasively when speaking and writing.

#2: Read and analyze material in a variety of disciplines.

#6: Demonstrate scientific literacy (in behavioral science).

#14:Demonstrate knowledge, skills and self-discipoine necessary to achieve and maintain       physical and emotional well being.

The course builds upon the foundation of basic Psychology course and biological science built in Biology 3-4, Integrated Science 1-4, and Physiology.  It complements the content of the Biomedical Science 7-8 course and could be incorporated into a health/human services pathway.

II. STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES  

The specific content expectations are described in the attached College Board course of study for AP Psychology.

Students will:

1. Take the standardized AP Psychology examination developed by the College Board.
   The specifics of this examination are described in the attached outline.

2. Demonstrate knowledge of the course content (see attached outline) through a variety     of assessments including, but not limited to, written examinations, discussions,    portfolios, and oral presentations.

III. METHODS AND MATERIALS 

Students will experience a variety of teaching strategies and methodologies that will enhance the curriculum, address the critical thinking and problem solving skills, and prepare students for the College Board examination format and expectations. The district's guidelines for AP and Honors courses will be followed.

Students will use a college-level Psychology textbook selected by a district teacher committee and approved by the Board of Trustees.  Supplementary materials and primary sources will be generated by instructors as the course develops, but all teachers are expected to follow the College Board AP Psychology course of study.    

Teachers assigned to teach this course are strongly encouraged to participate in a summer AP Psychology workshop in order to adapt teaching methods and expectations to the college-level rigor. Teachers should also have copies of the AP Psychology handbook.

Student Assessment

Students will be assessed based on their scores on the following: AP national examination, portfolios, in-class examinations, and oral presentations.  Each teacher will describe his/her specific grading procedures and expectations at the beginning of the course, preferrably in writing.

Course Assessment

There will be formative course assessment using student feedback, teacher observation, and measures of student achievement (particularly the student scores on the national examination). 

IV. GENERAL INFORMATION

Requirements Met

This course is a 5 unit, one-semester, Social Studies elective for juniors and seniors. It does not satisfy a particular graduation requirement, but does count towards the 220 unit requirement for graduation.  Students should be advised that this is a rigorous, college-level course and that district AP/Honors guidelines suggest that a student enroll in no more than TWO such courses in a given semester.

The course has been approved by the University of California as an "f" requirement.
(Approval pending 2/7/95)

Some colleges and universities grant college credit and/or advanced standing to students who pass the AP Psychology examination with a grade of 3 or better.  Students are advised to check with individual institutions regarding acceptance policies.

Prerequisites

Students must have completed the district's one-semester Psychology course (or equivalent) with a grade of B or better and meet the following extrance requirements:
1. Attend a required meeting with the teacher prior to the entrance exam to go over the course expectations and receive a reading assignment.
2. Complete a three chapter reading assignment and pass a two-part examination on these chapters: a) multiple choice exam with a score of 80% or better;  b) critical analysis essay with a rubric score of 5 or 6 (rubric to be provided at the required meeting)
3. Obtain 2 teacher recommendations from Social Studies and/or English teachers who will assess the student's critical thinking skills, written expression, and oral participation.

ATTACHMENT: College Board AP Psychology Course of Study
 
Adopted:	2/27/95
Revised:	3/14/95