Lake Washington School District Accelerated Programs held a panel presentation of the District’s Advanced Placement (AP) program for parents and students in grades 7 to 10. AP classes are offered in our five comprehensive high schools for students in grades 11 and 12; coursework is nationally audited and prepares students for future college work, in some cases advanced college placement. Current AP teachers, representing our high schools in a variety of content areas and current AP students from each high school, presented information on a series of topics, including AP curriculum and examinations, preparing to be a successful AP student, balancing workload and other student activities. Time was provided for audience questions and answers by the panel. Dr. Cindy Lundvall, Director of Student Services and Accelerated Programs served as moderator and presented an overview of the AP program from a national and district perspective. Our AP offerings, course and examination participation continue to grow by approximately 25% each year, with a maintenance of examination passage rate at approximately 80% of students scoring 3 or above on the 5 point national examination scale. It is not unusual for students to participate in multiple AP courses and exams.

The panel was held on January 14, 7 to 9 p.m. at Cadle Theater, Lake Washington High School. Brad Malloy, principal, welcomed the panel. Sandy Malone-Long, district AP Coordinator attended to respond to questions regarding the AP examinations held each spring in the district. Gifted Education Advisory Council (GEAC) co-sponsored the event. The event was very well-attended by approximately 250 parents and students. Teachers presenting were: Janene Carlberg, Social Studies teacher at LWHS; Peter Cheng, Math teacher at JHS; Sheila Friedman, Spanish/World Language teacher at RHS and John Heil, Science teacher at ICS. Student representatives were: Claire Wilson and Habib Behjatnia from LWHS; Makenna Hamre and Lars Myren from JHS; Tinny Liang and Morgan Eager from EHS; Jennie Snow and Melissa Krigbaum from RHS and Michael Patton and Emily Chen from ICS. Staff and students did an outstanding job of describing the AP experience, with many positive comments received since the panel presentation.

Presentation from Dr. Lundvall