In Humble ISD we provide so many different opportunities for our students to engage with advanced coursework. Today hear from one of our amazing student leaders, Jenna Watson, as she talks about how she took advantage of those opportunities. She served on the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council, is an AVID student leader, a member of Student Council and NHS, and a varsity tennis player. She wants to study environmental engineering in college and already has been accepted to several prestigious universities. Of her numerous acceptances, she has decided to attend the University of Texas. Hear more about how to leverage all the advanced opportunities we have in district straight from an incredible student leader on this episode.

Starting in 6th grade students have the option to take advanced-level courses, but what does that really mean? Even at the upper-levels where classes can be Advanced, OnRamps, Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, or Dual Credit, what sort of thinking and learning can students expect to engage with? Hear from Parker Tredick with the Center for Depth and Complexity discuss the Secondary Advanced Learning approach in Humble ISD.

In Advanced courses in Humble ISD, students are asked to engage with content in deeper and more complex ways, but what does that mean, exactly? Hear directly from the President for The Center for Depth & Complexity, John Gould, as we discuss how students in advanced courses build expertise by using research-based thinking strategies that truly define depth and complexity.

You've heard all the merits of AVID from the district AVID coordinator, but what about the student experience? Aniya Thomas '22 shares what AVID has done for her and talks about an amazing opportunity she's been given from the national AVID organization. From the fulfillment to the necessary soft skills students need to be successful in the world today, listen to Aniya's passion and appreciation for all the things she's learned through her time in AVID. Joining for the conversation is Lindsey Hartline, SCHS AVID Campus Coordinator.

Although test optional college admissions policies have been around since the 1960's, it's gained popularity in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic as colleges look to expand their admissions pools. Because of this, many students and parents are questioning if they need to take tests such as the SAT or ACT at all. In today's episode, we discuss the implications of these policies for students such as financial aid, scholarships, and enrollment in majors of study. You won't want to miss this conversation as we unpack all things related to test optional and what it means for our students.

Resources referenced in the show:

National Center for Educational Statistics - Look up your desired college and their student profile to see where you fall with their average SAT/ACT scores

On a previous episode we looked at the overall benefits of UT OnRamps courses for students, but now we take a deep dive into OnRamps Physics I specifically with the amazing Glenn Taylor. Mr. Taylor is currently the OnRamps Physics I instructor at Kingwood Park High School, an Humble ISD graduate, former vocational engineer, and former AP Physics instructor. 

Get information directly from the classroom as Mr. Taylor discusses the merits of OnRamps Physics I compared to Advanced Placement as well as other advanced physics options.

You may have heard of advanced placement, and know about AP tests, but did you know College Board also has a course that allows students to engage with their own unique research? AP Research & AP Seminar allows students to explore their passions and learn the basics of research and writing that will set them up for success not only at the Bachelors-degree level, but gain the foundational knowledge that would build success at both the Masters and Doctoral levels! Students who engage with AP Research & Seminar are able to distinguish themselves in a pool of college applicants due to the unique nature of the program and is also set up to be a great stepping stone as a student's first AP course. Come hear from Sarah McKinney and Sarah Prather at KHS as to all the benefits AP Capstone has to offer.

In 2020-21, 707 Humble ISD students earned college credit through the University of Texas in Austin. That's an average savings of $695,000 in tuition and textbooks! UT OnRamps allows high school students to experience college before college and have an opportunity to earn a grade directly from UT Austin. If a student doesn't perform as well as they hope, they can also not accept the college credit and have zero impact on their college GPA! Learn more in this conversation with Dr. Jennifer Porter, the Managing Director for UT OnRamps.

Students have courses they must take in high school to graduate, so why not try to earn college credit at the same time? Learn about the various ways students can earn dual credit through college core essentials or becoming core complete. Hear about ways to take dual credit during the school year as well as in the summer through Dual Credit Summer Academy (DCSA). 

Show guests are Kellie Sullivan, Director of Academic Partnerships and Initiatives for Lone Star College Kingwood, and Dr. Jared Miller, Dean of Academic Partnerships and Initiatives for Lone Star College Kingwood.

In the world of college-preparation, there's much to be said about the SAT suite of assessments. Come learn how the PSAT 8/9 and PSAT/NMSQT are administered in Humble ISD and see how the results can be used to help with future course selection, scholarship opportunities, and more. With PSAT scores having been released in early December, now is a great time to look closer at what the PSAT means for students and how it can be part of a roadmap of success for students looking to engage with advanced coursework.