BISD is committed to closing the opportunity gap by recruiting and retaining students who are likely to succeed in advanced coursework. BISD recommends that learners challenge themselves by participating in advanced academic programs.

In Advanced Academics, there is an increase in rigor with an emphasis on critical knowledge and skills designed to prepare students for college and careers. Taking advanced courses in intermediate, middle and high school is the best way to prepare for college admission and college success.

Why Consider Advanced Academics?

• Taking a rigorous curriculum in high school is the best predictor of students’ ability to complete a bachelors’ degree (Answers in the Toolbox, 1999).

• The number and quality of advanced courses a learner takes is more significant than GPA or class rank for predicting college success.

• Students taking more advanced courses score about 2.4 points higher on the ACT composite than students taking standard graduation plan courses (ACT High School Profile, 2005).

• Students taking Advanced Placement (AP) courses in high school have higher GPAs in college than students who do not take AP Courses (Answers in the Toolbox, 1999).

• Learners who have taken AP courses generally score higher on the SAT than learners who have not taken AP courses.

• The number of advanced courses a learner takes in high school may be a factor considered by a college when making admission decisions.

ADVANCED ACADEMICS BROCHURE - ENGLISH / SPANISH