We had another good session of professional development tonight, this time focusing on the new short answer questions (SAQs) and long essay question (LEQ) that next year's test will introduce. These are some significant changes to the AP World History test that I hope WHAP teachers are noticing. Overall, I think that the changes are good and I look forward to teaching it next ... oh, wait ...
I do need to take some time (when I have some time) to write some of my thoughts and the things that I have learned from my experience here this year, such as the importance of labeling ALL of the documents EVERY time they are used, the need to qualify every example with both "why" and "how," the importance of practicing thesis statements everyday (maybe with thesis "quizzes" at the end of class that are rewarded with prizes), using the word "elaborate" instead of "explain," getting students to think of the context of both their information and the overall prompt, having students write the point of view or audience/purpose for every document, and creating prompts that require three responses that increase in difficulty. I just don't know if I'll ever get around to putting those thoughts down ...
Well, the wind is really blowing here tonight (it knocked the backpack that I was single-shouldering off of my shoulder). I should try to get to bed while its sound can still soothe me to sleep.