The first Portland (Ore.) Adventist Academy (PAA) Advanced Placement (AP) calculus students will complete their final exams this spring and potentially receive college credit for their work.
Calculus is a foundational course for students interested in careers in economics, science and computer science. The AP calculus course at PAA is a chance for students to get ahead in knowledge and classroom work.
This special curriculum is designed and sponsored by the College Board of Education to offer exceptional students a chance to experience a rigorous curriculum and earn college credit if they score well on their final exams.
"It's a lot of work for the teachers," says Gale Crosby, PAA principal. "In fact, it's probably just as much work for the teachers as it is for the students. Teachers have to take specialized training courses and what they are learning is very intentional and prescriptive education."
For PAA's Jonathan Lovenguth, AP calculus teacher, the preparation was worth it. "This is the equation that gives me goose bumps," he says, as he slides through several examples on his interactive whiteboard before landing on the fundamental theorem. Teaching math-loving students is obviously an enjoyment for him.
PAA offers five college-level classes and two AP classes. Students must file an application and be reviewed by the school's academic standards committee before being accepted into the class.
Portland Adventist Academy's Advanced Placement calculus students prepare for their final exams.
