Author: kathleen

Quoted from http://blogs.msdn.com/alfredth/archive/2008/04/04/college-board-to-discontinue-the-ap-cs-ab-exam.aspx:

Computer Science Teacher – Thoughts and Information from Alfred Thompson : College Board to discontinue the AP CS AB exam

Well the news hit like a thunderclap in the Advanced Placement Computer Science world today – the College Board has decided to discontinue the AP CS AB exam after next school year.

 

Yes, I was shocked to read the email about the end of AP CS B.  i’ve sat back and just let the fur fly, and what has come out makes sense.  There are two explainations — both related. The first explaination is that it is a purely economic decision. The second, is that few minorities sign up for the test.

Both answers make sense, especially taken together.

As an AP CS teacher at a small urban high school, I am relieved. Because of our own district decisions, having both A and AB tests mean that I have to teach at least three preps, but usually 4. The most number of students I’ve gotten for the AB is 3, and rarely are those students as serious as they need to be. I do have a high passing rate, but the sample size is extremely low.  It’s hard to prep for 3 students when you have 60 taking a different prep.

Next year I’ll have 2 AB students, both of which are capable of passing.  I’m planning on taking a one week staff development that was to focus on the AB (last year, I focused on the A), That’s a lot of staff development for 3 students.

However, I really don’t like the idea of expanding the A so that it meets the requirements of a full year of computer science, which is one of the plans floating about.  Thankfully we have a PreAP number which should help. We can also keep the AP CS II designation, and use that as needed.

All in all, I think it’s a good thing.

However, I wouldn’t be surprised if some corporate sponsors stepped in and financed it.  And they probably should.

This has been sitting in my rss feeds forever and I’ve been meaning to comment on it.

Yes, Alfred, I agree.  In computer science, at least, knowing the information is more important than passing tests.  And I’ve always found that cramming doesn’t work in any event.

I think for the APCS, the most important thing, is working hard ALL year, and then relaxing during exam week.  Now if I could only convince the teachers in my building who insist on lockdowns for their students, ALL day, the day before. 

Quoted from http://blogs.msdn.com/alfredth/archive/2008/02/26/how-to-study-for-a-computer-science-exam.aspx:

Computer Science Teacher – Thoughts and Information from Alfred Thompson : How To Study For A Computer Science Exam

I remember in middle school when one of my teachers told the class much the same thing. That it was more important to get a good night sleep and to be as relaxed as possible before starting the exam than to drive oneself crazy cramming information that would not stay in the brain. What do you think?

Last night I was going to a make up dog agility class , traveling 5 mph on Central Expressway when the car on the left starting pacing and me and I heard a lot of yelling.  I look over to see an Explorer filled with Hillcrest soccer players.  2 current students, 4 former students from the past few years.

It’s fun.

They were VERY excited to see me and wanted to know where i was going — they were headed in the same direction but further north.  I tried to get them to take the HOV lane, and I’ll explain it to them on Monday so they will take it next time.  They were on their way to a soccer game, probably a club game, since they do all play club soccer in addition to school.  In fact, Robert, the young man I posted about last week was driving.

This video just descirbes the atmosphere — and I didn’t leave the ship though they obviuosly did.  Some very nice gentlemen, had breakfast with them one day.

Impression on GDCSE 2008 | Posts | Channel 8

A short impression on GDCSE 2008. Video is shot by the Dutch guys from Cannibal Game Studios, a game development start up created by 3 students of the Delft University of technology.

I’m all signed up and have a plane seat for this — I’m going to make it a single day trip, much easier on the body that way.

Computer Science Teacher – Thoughts and Information from Alfred Thompson : CS & IT Symposium at NECC 2008

The information and registration page is up for this year’s CS & IT Symposium at NECC this summer.

This is the original article talking about blogging from Google Docs

When you’re a web worker, time is money.  Here at Web Worker Daily, we’re all about helping you efficiently use your time.

Web Worker Daily » Archive Post To Your Blog Directly From Google Docs «

This post is from my Nokia 800 Internet Tablet.

I wish i had my bluetoooth keyboarf about now.

This is a test post from Google docs. I’ve been looking for a good solution to posting to the internet from my internet tablet or my mobile phone.

This is one of my babies!!!  He was in my English for Math class back in 2004.  He is really the nicest young man, and visits with me a lot in the hall.  He always asks about Marcie, who came to his class twice that year to help teach AP Psychology.  He’s a smart fellow, learning what means the most to you and then asking about it when he sees you.

Quoted from http://www.hsgametime.com/dfw/sharedcontent/dws/content/topstories/stories/031208refugeemattgametimecopy.46ff17d6.html:

Soccer gives African refugee a chance to land on his feet | Dallas/Fort Worth High School Sports | HS GameTime.com | Top Stories

In September 2004, the United Nations refugee agency resettled Francis, Yagba and Robert in Dallas.

 

A month later, Robert, then a 16-year-old, enrolled at Hillcrest. Although he could speak three African languages and some broken English, he could not read or write because he had no schooling in the refugee camp.