Diploma Program Focuses on College-Level Research, Collaboration, and Presentation Skills Crucial for College and Career Success
[Spring Hill, FL]— Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High School is one of approximately 2,000 schools worldwide to implement the AP Capstone™ Diploma program―an innovative program that allows students to develop the skills that matter most for college success, such as research, collaboration, and communication. The program consists of two yearlong courses taken in sequence: AP® Seminar and AP Research.
Students who score a 3 or higher in AP Seminar and AP Research and on four additional AP Exams of their choosing earn the AP Capstone Diploma™. This signifies outstanding academic achievement and attainment of college-level academic and research skills. Students who score a 3 or higher in both AP Seminar and AP Research (and not on four additional AP Exams) earn the AP Seminar and Research Certificate™.
Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High School will start offering AP Seminar in the fall of 2021.
Principal Camille Jowanna said, “This innovative program gets a broader, more diverse student population ready for college and beyond. The program gives our teachers more leeway with curriculum choices, and students can access more challenging coursework and sharpen their reading and writing skills.”
In AP Seminar, typically taken in 10th or 11th grade, students choose and evaluate complex topics through multiple lenses; identify credibility and bias in sources; and develop arguments in support of a recommendation. AP Seminar is a project-based learning course. Each student’s AP Seminar score is based on a set of assessments including research reports, written arguments, timed essays and group and individual presentations completed throughout the academic year.
In the subsequent AP Research course, students design, execute, present, and defend a yearlong research-based investigation on a topic of individual interest. They build on skills developed in AP Seminar by learning how to understand research methodology; employ ethical research practices; and collect, analyze, and synthesize information to contribute to academic research. Like AP Seminar, AP Research is a project-based course. Each student’s AP Research score is based on their academic paper, presentation, and oral defense.
“We’re proud to offer AP Capstone, which enables students and teachers to focus on topics of their choice in great depth,” said Trevor Packer, senior vice president for AP and instruction at College Board. He adds, “This provides terrific opportunities for students to develop the ability to write and present their work effectively, individually, and in groups—the very skills college professors want their students to possess.”
In partnership with the higher education community, College Board developed AP Capstone so students can practice and master skills that serve them well in college and career.
“We’re excited more schools are offering the AP Capstone Diploma program,” said Kedra Ishop, vice president for enrollment management at the University of Southern California. “We believe the research, collaboration, and presentation skills taught in the two courses will be valuable to students throughout their academic and professional careers.”
About Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High School
Established in 2003, Bishop McLaughlin is the highest-ranked College-Prep high school in Pasco County, and one of the top-ranked, Catholic high schools in Florida. Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High School provides a Christ-centered education that nurtures the development of the whole person and prepares young men and women to successfully meet the challenges of our global society.
Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High School is located at 13651 Hays Road Spring Hill, FL 34610. For information about the school, go to https://www.bmchs.com, or call (727) 857-2600.
About College Board
College Board is a mission-driven not-for-profit organization that connects students to college success and opportunity. Founded in 1900, College Board was created to expand access to higher education. Today, the membership association is made up of over 6,000 of the world’s leading educational institutions and is dedicated to promoting excellence and equity in education. Each year, College Board helps more than seven million students prepare for a successful transition to college through programs and services in college readiness and college success—including the SAT® and the Advanced Placement® Program. The organization also serves the education community through research and advocacy on behalf of students, educators, and schools. For further information, visit https://collegeboard.org.
Media Contact:
Beth Sylvester
Director of Marketing and Advancement
Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High School
beth.sylvester@bmchs.com
(727) 857-2600 ext. 244
College Board 212-713-8052 communications@collegeboard.org