In searching for more online information regarding AP courses, specifically teacher training and course development, I came across a site by College Board (responsible for AP) called AP Central that included developmental guides (for purchase) for all of the educational disciplines that are offered as AP classes. One specific feature highlighted was vertical teaming. Briefly, the idea behind this concept is to align the curriculum of a particular subject area among different grade levels so that the students learn overlapping terminology, methodology, and concepts that enable the educational process to become more efficient. Obviously, enriched learning is an intended outcome. Here in Georgia, we know this process as "vertical alignment."
It is interesting that primary to secondary education is widely held as a sequential process, but due to the way we construct our schools, there are natural barriers to this sequencing (K-5, 6-8, and 9-12 schools, for example) wherein the educators tend to remain and not stray outside of their boundaries. Vertical teaming is reminiscent of what took place in the old one-room school houses (I have read this, not experienced it, despite my age!). It makes perfect sense to me and falls right in with the concept that many larger schools are exploring called "small learning communities." The goal, of course, being increased student achievement.
Although we have just recently become an AP school (this year), we have employed vertical teaming in some subjects prior. Naturally, the plan is to employ this across the board. It is nice to think that not only the AP students, but essentially all will benefit from this emphasis as we have no educators that teach only AP.
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I actually attended a training on verical teaming two weeks ago put on by the College Board. The whole idea behind it is to get more students taking more AP classes. I went into it a bit apprehensive, thinking: "The CB is obviously going to be biased. I don't believe they want students to take higher-level classes so the student can be more successful and learn more. I belive, as a money-making institution, that economics drives the CB's motivation for increasing the number of students taking AP courses."
However, the training was fantastic. What it really came down to was that all students should be pushed achieve their greatest potential. All students should be prepared and encouraged to take higher-level courses. All students should be treated equally and receive a quality education. These are things that I, as a teacher, already believe. And part of ensuring all students have the opportunity to be successful is aligning the curriculum (hence vertical teaming.)
You should look into this type of training for your teachers next year. I think they'd enjoy it.
Funny, though. Somehow I got elected as the "Vertical Teaming Director" at my school for mathematics. It's my job now to actually get the math curriculum aligned at my school and report back to our county rep. It's going to be tough, and it's going to take baby steps. As you said, Jimmy, teachers don't want to stray outside of their comfort zone. But it's necessary. For our students to be successful, we've got to do whatever it takes. The "misalignment" taking place right now at my school (and within the county) is horrendous and the students are suffering. I'm hoping this process works.
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