Here is something important for you students to understand…
At some of the more rigorous schools (can’t speak for all), you will be expected to teach yourself. It is a true college prep experience.
- You will not be spoon fed material.
*You will not be told in advance what is on the test.
*You will be expected to (without being told) go the extra mile and complete the “additional brain teaser” problems at the end of the math chapter.
*You WILL be tested on material that was never discussed in class.
*You WILL have to organize complex and abstract material - some kids really struggle with this.
*You will NOT get consistent feedback - so you better be able to judge for yourself how you are doing, if you are keeping up, if you are on track.
*You will have a lot of “story problems” in math, physics, chem… - The SAT & ACT math sections will be easy compared to course tests
*.You WILL be expected to extrapolate on theories during tests - Much of the class time will be spent discussing (“Talk amongst yourselves”, says the Coffee Talk lady from SNL)
- The teacher will rarely “teach you” concretely.
- You will need to explain on tests what you learned from a lab.
- You WILL need to pull together different perspectives when writing in-class essays….in an organized and persuasive way.
*You will NOT get a “pat on the head” at the rigorous schools (DA included - no pats on head - maybe a cigar at graduation).