Extended Education & Outreach
University of Nebraska-Lincoln

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Lincoln, Neb., August 23, 2004 -- The University of Nebraska'Lincoln Independent Study High School is expanding the accessibility schools have to Advanced Placement courses by accepting enrollments in their newly released Advanced Placement U.S. History course sequence.

AP U.S. History is a two-course sequence designed to help prepare students to take the Advanced Placement U.S History examination as a means to earn college credit while in high school. Both courses are self-paced and available online or in a print-based format. Credit earned in the courses can be transferred to a student's local high school or applied to the diploma program offered through the Independent Study High School .

"With Advanced Placement courses being offered online through the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Independent Study High School, all students, no matter where they reside, will have equal access to courses which encourage the development of higher level thinking skills,' said Mary Duffy, director of High Ability Learner Education for the Nebraska Department of Education.

Carol Ash, Director of the Independent Study High School , added, 'We are hoping to expand the academic opportunities schools can provide their students in the classroom and on their own. Independent study is a great way for schools to be involved in the learning process while still providing a level of freedom for the student.'

Duffy feels the Independent Study High School is uniquely qualified to offer an Advanced Placement course. 'The track record of the UNL Independent Study High School from its inception is one of academic rigor and richness. Students will be able to receive high quality academic coursework that will fully prepare them for future academic success,' she stated.

Ash feels that 'Advanced Placement courses are a great way to not only prepare students to take the AP exam, but also prepare students for college-level curriculum, improve writing skills, sharpen problem-solving techniques, develop positive study habits and broaden intellectual horizons." She added that AP courses are a great way for students to stand out in the college admissions process.

"College admissions reps often look for advanced coursework, like AP courses, on a student's transcript. It signifies a commitment to academic rigor and achievement," she stated.

AP U.S. History consists of a number of graded assignments and supervised examinations designed to test student's retention of course material. Students are able to work on the course at their own pace, reading course material on their own and submitting assignments when they feel they are prepared. Students can finish the course in as little as five weeks or take as long as a year.

Topics covered in AP U.S. History include:

• European colonization
• The American Revolution
• The formation of the American political system
• Agricultural and industrial trends
• Westward expansion
• The Civil War
• The Great Depression
• The New Deal programs
• Civil Rights Issues
• American foreign relations

Schools across the country have used independent study courses from Nebraska 's High School to supplement their curriculum due to teacher shortage, student scheduling conflicts, graduation and college deficiencies and for students needing to make up credit or work on upper-level material. Many schools also use Nebraska courses to meet the regulations of the No Child Left Behind Act.

Nebraska 's High School was established in 1929 and helps more than 3,000 students annually earn high school credit. In addition to providing supplemental curriculum to students, Nebraska 's High School also offers a diploma program, allowing students to earn a high school diploma in an independent study format. Nebraska 's High School is accredited by the Nebraska Department of Education and the North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement (NCA CASI).

For more information about AP U.S. History or Nebraska 's High School, visit http://NebraskaHS.unl.edu or call 1-866-700-4747 or (402) 472-2175.