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Administrator
AP Annual Conference Submission
Mieke Valk
Secondary Literacy Curriculum Specialist
Polk County Public Schools
Lindsey Hanger
Teacher
Bartow Senior High School
Rebecca McDermott
Teacher
George Jenkins Senior High School
Colton Rankey
Teacher
Stambaugh Middle School
Christian Orlet
Teacher
Stambaugh Middle School
This session will outline how districts can build capacity to implement an AP aligned 6-12 Honors English program in order to increase student participation and success in AP English courses. Research indicates that time for teacher collaboration is vital in order to improve student achievement. Participants will examine how Polk County Public Schools is working to cultivate collaboration between teachers and schools through the vertical alignment process. Three areas have been identified to begin vertical alignment within the district: Long term planning done by both district staff and a cohort of English teachers; Curriculum work done by district staff and the cohort of English teachers; and district wide professional development opportunities. Participants will preview next steps and discuss several key challenges that the team has faced throughout, such as the size of the school district, time, resources, and changing the message and mindset in the district for all stakeholders.