Treffer: Coaching in the AP Classroom

Many parallels exist between quality coaches and quality classroom teachers--especially AP teachers, who often feel the pressure to produce positive test results. Having developed a series of techniques and strategies for building a team-oriented winning culture on the field, Jim Fornaciari writes about how he adapted those methods to work in the AP classroom. Although there is no substitute for having the core fundamentals in place when teaching an AP class, the use of certain strategies can help develop a positive team culture inside the classroom. They are presented and detailed in this article. They include: (1) Establishing new territory; (2) Setting high expectations; (3) Developing positive relations; (4) Celebrating student success; (5) Involving parents in the process; and (6) Using culture building rituals. Over the first six years of the course, the pass rate was more than 95%. Students leave the experience armed with great confidence and ready for more AP course options. The author concludes by encouraging colleagues to develop their own unique classroom environments without sacrificing academic excellence.

ERIC