(Press release) – At Saipan International School, six students graduated with the AP Capstone degree. A total of seven earned the AP Seminar and Research Certificate for the 2021-22 school year. The AP Capstone degree program helps students develop the critical thinking, research, collaboration, and presentation skills that are essential for academic success.
“We proudly recognize the achievements of students who have participated in the AP Capstone Degree Program,” said Dr. Ronald E. Snyder, Principal of the International School of Saipan. “Our AP Capstone students and teachers have shown extraordinary commitment while facing historic challenges. This is a meaningful college preparation program that will serve our students well after high school.
To receive the AP Capstone degree, students must achieve scores of 3 or higher in the AP seminar, AP research, and four additional AP exams. To receive the AP Seminar and Research Certificate, students must achieve AP Seminar and AP Research scores of 3 or higher. Students are increasingly participating in the AP Capstone program. More than 2,200 schools participated in the AP Capstone program worldwide during the 2021-22 school year. About 14,100 students have earned the AP Capstone degree and 9,200 have earned the AP Seminar and Research Certificate.
Unlike traditional AP subject exams with a single year-end assessment, AP Seminar and AP Research assessments are project-based and assess skill mastery through group projects, presentations, and individual essays made throughout the year. Instead of focusing on a specific academic discipline, AP Seminar and AP Research are interdisciplinary: students are empowered to create research projects based on topics of personal interest. Students are assessed on the critical thinking, research, collaboration, time management, and presentation skills needed to complete their projects.
At SIS, students focused their research on a range of topics including: coastal waters of Saipan under Covid-19 restrictions, diet and income: exploring the relationship between income and diet quality in the villages of Saipan, the perspective of the learning environment: a review of Middle school students in Saipan vis-à-vis their learning environment, coastal erosion on the micro-beach of Saipan, the review of the mathematical model of the minority stereotype among high school students, the favorable bias present in the jury system of Saipan: modeled by students, analysis of the association between residents and beach litter in Saipan, The correlation between stress and schoolwork toward a student’s diet, and Using Sentiment Analysis to Predict Meta Stock Prices.
“I am thrilled to congratulate these motivated students, who have worked hard to earn the AP Capstone Degree and the AP Seminary and Research Certificate,” said Trevor Packer, Advanced Placement Program Manager. “These students strengthened the foundations for their future academic and professional careers by honing their ability to manage long-term projects, collaborate with teams, and deliver effective presentations on topics they are passionate about.
Among the students who participated in the AP Capstone Diploma Program at Saipan International School:
• Six received the AP Capstone by earning scores of 3 or more on the AP Seminar, AP Research, and 4 additional AP exams. They are Linxi Cai, Hyunmin Cho, Sam Culp, Julianne Hall, Cevinna Hwang and Hyeonbin Jeong.
• Seven received the AP Seminar and Research Certificate by achieving scores of 3 or more in AP Seminar and AP Research. They are Tiana Cabrera, Susan Chen, Huiwon Jeong, Jesse Sablan, James Zeng, Rachel Shin and Kexuan Yu.
• Seven senior graduates from the class of 2022. Hyunmin Cho (Boston University), Julianne Hall (Radford University), Cevina Hwang (Princeton University, Questbridge Scholar), Hyeonbin Jeong (Han Yang University [tentative]), Susan Chen (Purdue University), James Zeng (Boston University), Rachel Shin (University of Toronto).
The College Board’s Advanced Placement Program gives students the opportunity to take challenging college-level courses while still in high school. A 3 or higher on an AP exam has many benefits for students, including college credit, advanced placement, or both for successful performance on AP exams, saving them time and effort. ‘silver. Research shows that AP students are better prepared and more likely to enroll and stay in college, do well in class, and graduate on time. Each exam is developed by a committee of college and university professors and AP teachers, ensuring that AP exams meet their high standards.
About the SIS
Saipan International School offers exceptional educational opportunities for students in kindergarten through 12th grade. SIS high school students have access to 15 advanced placement courses and are the only school eligible for the AP Capstone credential in Micronesia. Its mission is to help every child reach their full potential by providing a positive environment that promotes academic, emotional and social growth. This environment is created when trust, respect and acceptance are values shared by students, parents and school staff.
Saipan International School is committed to creating an educational environment that affirms a wide variety of learning styles, experiences, skill levels and interests. SIS maintains the highest academic standards and challenges students to perform at the peak of their potential. Each child is encouraged to develop their creativity, improve their problem-solving and critical thinking skills, and develop a sense of self-esteem. Small class sizes, with an average of 18 students, give teachers the opportunity to meet the needs of a diverse student body in a secular, non-discriminatory environment.
Students explore multiculturalism both in theory and in practice. SIS students come from all over the world, including the Pacific Islands, Asia, Australia, Europe, Africa, North America, and South America. Daily interactions yield insights that lead to a deeper appreciation and respect for all people.