Kathy Williams - Presenter
I graduated from Arizona State University with a degree in Secondary Education, majoring in American History with minors in English and Political Science. I began my teaching career in the Phoenix area teaching junior high school American History and English. After moving to Denver, I began teaching at the senior high school level which included AP* United States History. I returned to the Valley 19 years ago and have taught English, AP* United States History and served as the Social Studies Department Chair and instructional specialist for Dobson High School in Mesa. I taught AP* United States History for 23 years and was in the classroom for 33 years. Currently, I am working for Mesa Public Schools in their Science and Social Studies Resource Center and serve as coordinator for "We the People" and "Project Citizen" programs for the Center for Civic Education. I have also been a United States History reader for the past 9 years and have served as a West Coast consultant for the College Board* for 7 years.
This workshop is designed to provide teachers with the skills necessary to create and maintain a successful AP* United States History program for their students. Among the topics what will be included in the various sessions are:
* How to create an effective AP* program and recruit students.
This segment of the workshop will be spent dealing with information necessary to setting up a successful program. Achieving equity and review of the audit program will be covered. Additionally, before the teaching begins, communications with administration, counseling, other related departments, parents and students is a must. Tips for doing this will be covered. Furthermore, suggestions for textbook selection, outside readings, and on line resources will also be discussed.
* Suggested tips on how to cover the content
During this time, information concerning tips on how to pace the material will be covered. Sample calendars and suggestions on how to focus on what is important to help prep students to comprehend the volumes of material necessary to be successful will be reviewed. This will include work outside the regular class time, creative teaching strategies and ways in which to increase comprehension levels.
* Provide an overview of the structure of the exam
Geared not only for the teacher new to teaching APUSH but also to experienced teachers, this session will discuss details of the exam itself. Based on published information, teachers will be given the opportunity to see what areas of the curriculum are emphasized on the exam. Testing tips for taking the multiple choice section will be covered. Outlines and receive tips will also be part of this session.
* Improve student essay writing
A huge challenge to teachers in the social sciences is how to prepare their students for the rigors of writing successfully for the AP* exam. The basic structure of essay writing will be discussed along with what constitutes a solid history essay. This will cover tips for not only the free choice essays but for the DBQ's as well.
* Best Pracctices
Threaded throughout the workshop, examples of best practices will be exhibited. Engaging the participants in lessons of high interest to their students will be a focus throughout the seminar. Teacher participants will be asked to contribute both their "best practices" throughout the week along with numerous examples from the presenter. Participants will leave with a variety of "best practices" to be used, with few variations, in their classrooms.
* Provide a hands-on approach to grading the exam
Participants will be given numerous opportunities to simulate what readers go through and look for when grading the AP* exams. Sample papers and rubrics will be covered in detail and opportunities to grade sample free choice essays as well as the "dreaded" DBQ will be part of this session.
