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Moline adds more AP classes, giving students more chances to save money on college

“It’s the class that gets you ready for college.” That’s how Mr. Trent Lamphier describes Advanced Placement (AP) courses. He has taught...

"It's the class that gets you ready for college."

That's how Mr. Trent Lamphier describes Advanced Placement (AP) courses. He has taught for 21 years, with 15 years at Moline High School and currently teaches AP U.S. History as well as American History, Geography, and Government.

"Statistics show how much AP courses prepare students," he said. "They graduate at a higher level. They're more prepared."

On Monday, November 10th, 2014, the Moline School District's Board of Education is scheduled to approve a proposal that would add eight AP courses to Moline High School's course offerings. The courses include: European History, French, Music Theory, Psychology, Spanish, Statistics, Macroeconomics, and Microeconomics. The district currently offers: Biology, Calculus A/B, Chemistry, Literature and Composition, Studio Art Drawing, U.S. Government, and U.S. History.

If and when approved, Moline High School will offer a total of 15 AP courses, which will be the most of any Illinois Quad City school district and the second most in the Quad Cities metro area.

"It's a great opportunity so we're very excited to offer that opportunity to students on this side of the river," said Lamphier.

Students are excited as well. Many say they think more students will take advantage of AP courses when there is a bigger range of subjects.

"I think the AP format really challenges students more and I think it's really good for college prep," said Junior, Quinn Daley. "It lets the student kind of dip their toes into what college is like and what the studying is like while having their other high school classes and not being as challenged by other ones."

"It pushes me to do a lot more," added Junior, Marina Lareau. "It's definitely a lot more workload so it helps me to manage time better and be more organized."

Lamphier said AP classes are about more than just the subject. They offer skills needed for college and beyond.

"For example, AP U.S. History. A lot of people aren't necessarily going to go into History, but it teaches you college writing, the reading level, organization skills, and thinking skills."

Lamphier said taking AP classes also pays off. Students can earn 3-9 college credits from just one course, saving them thousands of dollars they would normally spend on college classes.

Dr. David Moyer, Superintendent, said the Moline School District made the decision to include AP as part of their College and Career Readiness Initiative. He said the high school administration and teachers responded enthusiastically and immediately to the idea  and immediately submitted proposals to expand the program.

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