Academic Philosophy:
At the Academy of Math, Engineering and Science we act upon the belief that courses based on rigor, relevance, and relationships enhance and deepen student learning. Student learning is also increased when students think critically and make interdisciplinary connections. Students are more likely to master content when it is systematically embedded and intertwined over an extended period of time.
The overall primary purpose of social studies at AMES is to develop in young people understanding and appreciation of the social sciences in order to help them make informed and reasoned decisions for the public good. As citizens of a democratic society in a culturally diverse and interdependent world, young people need to be able to examine complex issues. Students are expected to become active, responsible, concerned, and knowledgeable citizens. (Utah State Social Studies Philosophy and C3 Framework)
The overall primary purpose of social studies at AMES is to develop in young people understanding and appreciation of the social sciences in order to help them make informed and reasoned decisions for the public good. As citizens of a democratic society in a culturally diverse and interdependent world, young people need to be able to examine complex issues. Students are expected to become active, responsible, concerned, and knowledgeable citizens. (Utah State Social Studies Philosophy and C3 Framework)
Cross-Curricular Connections
All of the major themes in World History (Social, Political, Interaction with the Environment, Cultural, and Economic - SPICE) are directly linked with some of the major AP Human Geography themes; Cultural Patterns and Processes, Political Organization of Space, Industry and Development,
Importance of Historical Thinking Skills
"The AP history courses seek to apprentice students to the practice of history by explicitly stressing the development of historical thinking skills while learning historical content. Students best develop historical thinking skills by investigation the past in ways that reflect the discipline of history, most particularly through the exploration and interpretation of a rich array of primary sources and secondary texts and through the regular development of historical argumentation in writing." (AP Central)
Impact of Participation in the Advanced Placement Program
Research published in The Journal of Educational Research completed by Russell T. Warne, et al. (Utah Valley University) supports the conclusions that "indicates that the AP program is beneficial for students." Their research specifically found that there is strong empirical evidence that the benefits are most high for students when they PASS, not just merely enroll, in an AP class. They state: "There is little evidence that simply increasing the number of students taking AP courses will have an impact ... if students do not demonstrate mastery on the exams."
Also, according to College Board policy, they state that "for the most part, 9th grade students are not sufficiently prepared to participate in a college-level course.. Therefore, the College Board believes these students would be better served by coursework focusing on the academic building blocks necessary for later, successful enrollment in college-level courses. . . AP coursework completed in 9th grade is not often deemed credible by the higher education community."
Therefore, we have made a decision at AMES to help prepare students over a two-year period of time, providing first a foundational year, and then an application year - to not only deepen understanding of content, but to increase and strengthen skills of critical thinking and writing.
Also, according to College Board policy, they state that "for the most part, 9th grade students are not sufficiently prepared to participate in a college-level course.. Therefore, the College Board believes these students would be better served by coursework focusing on the academic building blocks necessary for later, successful enrollment in college-level courses. . . AP coursework completed in 9th grade is not often deemed credible by the higher education community."
Therefore, we have made a decision at AMES to help prepare students over a two-year period of time, providing first a foundational year, and then an application year - to not only deepen understanding of content, but to increase and strengthen skills of critical thinking and writing.