When a student takes an honors class, they will more than likely be required to work on an assignment over the summer. They are typically expected to finish the assignments by the first day or week of school.

“[This helps] students learn to read quickly and to analyze passages, and to speed write essays,” English teacher Penny Snow said. “No one wants to go to university and spend hours writing essays and then get a poor grade. This class helps the student gain time back when it matters the most.”

The purpose of summer assignments is to assist in allowing the class to cover the required material throughout the year, which gives them a time advantage to prepare for the AP test at the end of the year. They also allow the teacher to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of their students early on.

“Hopefully this assignment will help my students think critically about the text, and give me their the own interpretation on the writing,” history teacher Spencer Terry said. “I think they will really enjoy the books and the writer’s ideas once they have completed the readings.”

A pre-AP course prepares students to advance to the next level of an AP class. Studies show that the diligence that goes with an AP course will further help students in preparation for college by giving them tools to stay in college.

“I believe it is important for all students to be reading during the summer in order to improve reading comprehension skills and fluency,” English teacher Denise Yeakley said. “By giving students summer assignments, they also develop an independent work ethic to prepare them for more rigorous classes.”