• AP courses equate to a first year college level course; therefore, students may earn college credit for the course.
• In AP History classes, students are expected to read and write at an advanced level.
• The work load is much heavier in AP History classes.
• There is an emphasis on outside reading from college-level texts and primary source documents in AP History courses.
• AP courses typically involve a lot of discussion and are writing intensive.
   

College Prep or Honors Classes

• Teachers tend to provide more direct instruction.
• Students complete homework generally in order to earn or maintain a grade in addition to reinforcing information covered in class.
• Homework is assigned regularly and is collected for a grade.
• The course may resemble traditional high school classes.
• Common Core & CA State Standards are adhered to; however, expectations that go beyond these standards may vary depending on the instructor or course.
   

Advanced Placement Classes

• Students are generally self-motivated.
• The teacher’s role is primarily as facilitator of learning.
• Homework is assigned, but not all may be collected or graded. Students may have fewer grades per quarter.
• The purpose of homework is to reinforce classroom activities and to fill gaps in knowledge. Students are expected to complete this individually.
• Students may be tested on information not specifically covered during class time, but was discussed in assigned readings.
• An AP course may resemble what is seen in university classrooms.
• Students are provided a college-level textbook and supplemental readings.
• Students are consistently held to standards of evaluation and achievement that go beyond what is expected from the CA State Standards. These standards are consistently enforced as a way to prepare students for real-world demands and the demands of a collegiate setting.