Advanced Research Overview

Independent Research G/T Course Description

Grades 10, 11, 12

Independent Research is a college-level course in which students design an original research study or creative production in self-selected areas of interest. Students learn advanced-level research methodologies and college-level writing and oral presentation skills. Under the guidance of the G/T resource teacher, each student identifies a problem and formulates a research question. Student researchers address identified problems, answer research questions, and communicate the results of their creative achievements to appropriate audiences. Students collaborate and receive ongoing feedback from professionals in their selected areas of study.

Intern/Mentor G/T Course Description

Grades 11, 12

The G/T Intern/Mentor Program is a college-level course in which students design an original research study or creative production. Students study off-campus with a professional mentor in a self-selected area of interest. Student research or creative production focuses on contributing new knowledge to the field of study. The G/T resource teacher facilitates classroom and internship experiences, focusing on advanced-level research methodologies and college-level writing and oral presentation skills. At the mentor site, students apply the knowledge and skills they have learned in an authentic, professional environment. Interested students contact the G/T resource teacher to secure an application and schedule an interview. Placement decisions are contingent upon the availability of mentors in the specific field of study.

Click here for answers to frequently asked questions about the Intern/Mentor program.

AP Seminar Course Description

Grades 10, 11, 12

AP Seminar focuses on developing a deep understanding of locating, analyzing, and utilizing high-level sources to thoroughly investigate a research topic or pose an argument. Students become experts in synthesizing information around a thesis, presenting evidence from multiple perspectives, and presenting their research questions and solutions.  Students complete two performance tasks:  the first is a group-selected research focus and presentation with individual research papers; the second involves stimulus materials from College Board, and an argumentative paper and presentation.  There is also an exam in May that mirrors the same research skills.   Successful completion of the Performance Tasks and End-of-Course AP exam will result in a score that could lead to college credit.  

AP Seminar is a prerequisite for AP Research.

AP Research Course Description

Grades 11, 12 - Must take AP Seminar to enroll.

In AP Research, students further the skills from AP Seminar by learning research methodology, employing ethical research practices, and accessing, analyzing, and synthesizing information as they address a self-selected research question/project goal. Students will engage in the entire research process - develop a research question, generate an annotated source list, create a research proposal for approval, locate an expert advisor, choose a research method to collect data, analyze and evaluate evidence, and generate an analytical argumentative paper (4,000-5,000 words).  They must also deliver a presentation (using appropriate media) where they defend their research design, approach, and findings to an oral defense panel.

There is no exam in May for this course.  Successful completion of AP Research may result in the following:

• Students who take both AP Seminar and AP research and earn a 3 or higher AND successfully complete four additional AP exams (with a 3 or higher) will earn the AP Capstone Diploma, which is a post-CCR pathway option.

• Students who take both AP Seminar and AP research and earn a 3 or higher BUT do not meet the above criteria will still earn an AP Seminar and Research Certificate.

Why are there so many course numbers in the course catalog?

Because students can take these courses repeatedly, they have to assign them new numbers so they get “new credit” on their transcript.  

Independent Research GT:

• GT-400-1 – a student enrolling in Independent Research for the first time

• GT-410-1 – a student enrolling in Independent Research for the second time (repeating the class the next school year)

• GT-420-1 – a student enrolling in Independent Research for the third time (repeating again, for a third school year)

 Intern/Mentor GT:

• GT-430-1 – a student enrolling in Intern/Mentor for 1 credit for the first time

• GT-440-2 – a student enrolling in Intern/Mentor for 2 credits for the first time

• GT-450-1 – a student enrolling in Intern/Mentor for 1 credit for the second time (repeating 430-1 the next school year)

• GT-460-2 – a student enrolling in Intern/Mentor for 2 credits for the second time (repeating 440-2 the next school year)

AP Seminar:

• GT-500-1

AP Research:

• GT-510-1

G/T and AP Courses - Content Specific

Each high school offers G/T courses in English, science, mathematics, social studies, computer science, foreign language, art, and research. Included in the high school course selections are advanced placement (AP) courses. Students who score well on an advanced placement examination at the end of the course may be granted advanced placement status or college credit upon entering a college or university. Students enroll in G/T and advanced placement courses based on course prerequisites. These are taught by content teachers in various departments. A detailed description of specific G/T courses and prerequisites can be found in High School Program of Studies. Student Services at each school can also assist in registration for these courses.