Course Description:
This workshop is designed for those teaching AP U.S. History for the first time and for those seeking refresher training.  We will be examining methodology and content, sharing ideas, developing strategies, and reviewing samples from the 2007 AP Exam reading.  The purpose of the workshop is to further acquaint you with the AP program and its demands, and to help you continue to grow and serve students better.

Course Syllabus:
The AP U.S. History summer institute will focus on developing all of the following concerns and concepts:

1. Designing a syllabus
2. Class issues, school related constraints and the unexpected
3. Assignment loads and building contextual knowledge outside the class
4. Designing Units of study
5. Pedagogies and methodologies for the successful AP Class
6. Differentiation in the AP classroom
7. Developing student analytical test taking skills
8. Creating challenging tests
9. Developing analytical historical writers both for the Free Response questions and the Document Based Question
10. Creating and using rubrics
11. Examination of the 2008 AP US Reading
12. The Internet and other technological tools applicable for your class
13. Insights into textbooks, readers and other necessary student historical literature

Instructor: Chris Averill

Christopher Averill has been an AP American History Teacher for 17 years.  He has served in the capacity of History Department Chair for 12; first at Clover Hill High School and presently at Cosby High School in Chesterfield County, Virginia. He has served on numerous local and state committees including the Virginia History Museum’s Educational Advisory Council. He recently served a one-year term as the History Assessment Specialist for Virginia’s DOE Division of Assessment.  Mr. Averill has been actively involved in the AP American History Reading where he has served in the capacity of Reader and Table Leader.  In 2005, he was promoted by College Board to the position of Exam Leader.  He has served as an Endorsed Consultant of the College Board since 1999 and has conducted numerous AP single day workshops as well as Teaching and Learning Seminars. In addition, he conducted the Summer Institute for Memphis City Schools in 2005 and the APSI for Auburn University in 2007.