Advanced Placement Program* Summer Institute

Pre-AP* World Geography, June 25-28, 2012

Lead Consultant: Adalia Davis      

What to Bring

• Copy of your textbook
• A spiral notebook (70 pages) or a composition notebook
• A flash drive
• A lesson plan or idea to present to other participants
• An idea, concept, or region you find difficult teach.

Course Description

This course is intended for both teachers who are new to and experienced in teaching Pre-AP* World Geography. Throughout the week we will explore the nature of the Pre-AP* classroom as well as the role of the Pre-AP* teacher in an Advanced Placement* program. Regional content information will be integrated throughout the week so that new teachers will have a foundation on which to build and experienced teachers will gain some enrichment. We will focus on strategy-based instruction as a framework for increasing student reading comprehension and the development of important skills such as note making. Time will be spent on both formal and informal writing strategies and techniques along with grading tips. We will discuss choosing appropriate primary sources for Pre-AP* World Geography in addition to how to facilitate student success in document analysis. Time will also be spent on best practices for creating assessments with highly selective multiple choice questions. Participants will get hands-on experience with geocaching and other geospatial tools like GIS. We will also look at simple ways to integrate technology into the course including smartphones and pocket video cameras.

About Adalia Davis

Adalia Davis is a charter member of the Katy ISD Social Studies AP* Vertical Team. She has worked in Katy since 1998, first teaching Pre-AP* World Geography at Katy High School and then at Cinco Ranch High School. Adalia spent five years assisting teachers and campuses in the integration of technology into the classroom. Currently she teaches Pre-AP* U.S. History at the district’s newest secondary campus, WoodCreek Junior High. She has consulted for the College Board since 2001. Adalia is the Texas trainer for the National Geographic Society/Geological Society of America EarthCaching Project. She also mentors new geography teachers and promotes geographic education as a Texas Alliance for Geographic Education Teacher Consultant. Due to her commitment to technology integration, Adalia was selected as one of Katy ISD’s Digital Star Teachers. She is also a certified Microsoft Teacher Leader and a Discovery Educator Network Star Educator. Most recently, Adalia was selected as a state trainer for the K-12 Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills. Her particular areas of interest include project-based learning, multiple intelligence theory and Geographic Information Systems.

* Advanced Placement Program and AP are registered trademarks of the College Board and have been used with permission.