AP Psychology
Course Guidelines
2025-2026
Mr. Sultz, iPrep Academy
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.sultztonianinstitute.com
Course Description: This course is a survey of psychology that introduces students to the major topics of the field, the terminology and methodology of psychology, and the historical and current understanding of human behavior and thought processes. Students learn to analyze human experiences like psychologists do and to apply what they have learned to the world around them. The focus of the course is to prepare students to take the Advanced Placement Psychology exam administered by the College Board in the spring of each year. The AP Psychology exam is scheduled for May 12, 2026. It is expected that all students in this course take this exam. Students who earn a passing grade on this exam will receive credit for an introductory psychology course on their college transcript.
Course Objectives:
Course Length: One Year
Text: Myers Psychology for the AP Course, 3rd. Edition Updated
Advanced Placement Psychology, AMSCO, 3rd Edition
Materials List: Paper, Pen, Notebook, Expo Chisel Dry Erase Marker, Laptop
AP Course Demands:
It should be understood at the outset that the expectations of this class are consistent with those of any Advanced Placement course. Students should expect a workload similar to what they have if they were to complete this course at the college level. This includes extensive reading, active involvement in class discussions, taking notes, and doing research. Topics discussed will be at college level and may include topics that make students uncomfortable or challenge their current beliefs. iPrep Academy is a Global Magnet School and global themes will be infused into the curriculum throughout the entire school year. The four specific student outcomes that we are pursuing are as follows: An Appreciation for Diversity; Cultural Understanding; Global Knowledge, and Global Engagement. All major assignments will be posted on the calendar on my website; so, check regularly.
The “New and Improved” AP Psychology Course
In 2022, the American Psychological Association (APA) released recommendations for introductory psychology course content and skills. To align with these recommendations and with how college and university instructors in the U.S. teach introductory psychology, the College Board revised the AP Psychology course and exam. The revisions went into effect with the 2024-25 school year.
Course Outline:
Unit 0: Science Practices
We will start the course with an introduction to Psychology Science Practices that are applied throughout the course (Concept Application, Research Methods and Design, Data Interpretation, and Argumentation).
Units of Instruction
Exam Weighting
Unit 1: Biological Bases of Behavior
15–25%
Unit 2: Cognition
15–25%
Unit 3: Development and Learning
15–25%
Unit 4: Social Psychology and Personality
15–25%
Unit 5: Mental and Physical Health
15–25%
Academic Grade Evaluation
Class Work: 10 points
Home Learning: 10 points
Notebook: 25 points
Participation: 25 points
Mini-Quizzes: 25 points
Quizzes: 50 points
Tests: 100 points
Mini-Projects: 50 points
Projects/Simulations: 100 points
All assignments must be turned in on time or will be penalized one letter grade per day. Make-up assignments must be requested if you are absent from class. You have up to one week to make up any missed assignments or tests. I will post all major assignments on the assignment calendar on my webpage so please check regularly.
Attendance and Conduct
1. Regular and prompt attendance is required I strictly enforce the iPrep Academy attendance policy. If you have five or more unexcused absences from CLASS, credit may be withheld. As an incentive to have good attendance on test and project days, I will offer a bonus of three points to all students if the entire class is present and on time to class on a test day and project presentation days.
2. Be in your seat, quiet and ready for work at the beginning of class
3. Please follow the school rules regarding the dress code (dressed appropriately and mindful of your remote surroundings).
4. Academic integrity is priceless! Academic integrity means honesty and responsibility in scholarship. Academic assignments exist to help students learn; grades exist to show how fully this goal is attained. Therefore, all work, and all grades should result from the student's own understanding and effort.
5. Classroom Policy for the Use of AI Programs
In this classroom, the responsible and ethical use of AI programs—such as ChatGPT—is encouraged to support and enhance learning, not replace it. All use of AI must receive prior teacher approval and should only be used to complement students’ critical thinking and creativity. Work generated with AI assistance must be original, properly cited, and aligned with our standards of academic integrity. Misuse of AI, including plagiarism or using AI as a substitute for understanding, will not be tolerated and may lead to consequences. Additionally, any assignment may be subject to a verbal review; students should be prepared to explain their work independently. Failure to do so may be interpreted as inappropriate reliance on AI. Respect for privacy and data security is always expected. By following these expectations, we can responsibly integrate AI tools into our educational journey while preserving the integrity and goals of authentic learning.
6. Respect and Responsibility are what we are all about at iPrep. Be respectful and act responsibly!
Important Reminders
1. Parents and students are encouraged to check the parent and student portal to access student’s grades, academic progress and attendance. The M-DCPS portal can be found at www.dadeschools.net. Please make it your responsibility and your child’s responsibility to check the portal on a regular basis. This will help us help your child be successful at school. I also post major assignments to the assignment calendar embedded in my website so check regularly.
2. Parents are welcome to request conferences on your progress. Please call the school or e-mail me to arrange an appointment.
3. Parent conferences will be scheduled for academic, effort and conduct problems that surface during the year.
4. How to contact Mr. Sultz-Email: [email protected]
On A Personal Note:
As your instructor, I will do everything possible to make this class both interesting and challenging for you. I will give my best effort, and I only ask the same from you. Please plan to come to class prepared and alert. I will try to get to know each of you personally and to be available for any problems or concerns that arise during the year. If you need extra help, please seek me for assistance.
After reading and understanding these guidelines, students should sign below and have their parent or guardian also sign it. Then return this to Mr. Sultz.
Parents should please contact me with any questions or concerns. I look forward to a fantastic school year!
Sincerely,
Mr. Bradley E. Sultz, MS, NBCT iPrep Academy
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
Mr. Sultz’s Course Guidelines Confirmation of Receipt
Student
By signing below, I as the student confirm that I have read the course guidelines for Mr. Sultz’s class and that I fully understand the policies and procedures that have been outlined within it. As a student, I agree to abide by these policies and understand the consequences if I choose not to. I understand the importance of communicating with Mr. Sultz if I ever have any questions so that we can work together to solve any problems. I understand that I have elected to take an Advanced Placement (AP) level course, which means that I will be doing college level work, with a significant amount of homework. The work will be significantly harder than if I took an academic or honors section and I will have to work hard to earn the grade that I desire.
_________________________________________ _____________
Student Name (Print) Date
_________________________________________ _____________
Student Signature Date
Parent/Guardian
By signing below, I as the parent/guardian confirm that I have read the course guidelines for Mr. Sultz’s class and that I fully understand the policies and procedures that have been outlined within it. I understand the importance of communicating with Mr. Sultz if I ever have any questions so that we can work together to solve any problems. I understand that my student has elected to take an Advanced Placement (AP) level course, which means that they will be doing college level work, with a significant amount of homework. The work will be significantly harder than if they took an academic or honors section and they will have to work hard to earn the grade that they desire.
_________________________________________ _____________
Parent/Guardian Name (Print) Date
_________________________________________ _____________
Parent/Guardian Signature Date
________________________________________
Parent/Guardian Phone Number
_________________________________________
Parent/Guardian E-mail
Course Guidelines
2025-2026
Mr. Sultz, iPrep Academy
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.sultztonianinstitute.com
Course Description: This course is a survey of psychology that introduces students to the major topics of the field, the terminology and methodology of psychology, and the historical and current understanding of human behavior and thought processes. Students learn to analyze human experiences like psychologists do and to apply what they have learned to the world around them. The focus of the course is to prepare students to take the Advanced Placement Psychology exam administered by the College Board in the spring of each year. The AP Psychology exam is scheduled for May 12, 2026. It is expected that all students in this course take this exam. Students who earn a passing grade on this exam will receive credit for an introductory psychology course on their college transcript.
Course Objectives:
- Understand the concepts, terminology, and research findings presented in an introductory college psychology course.
- Utilize investigative and critical thinking skills necessary in the study of psychology.
- Express interest in the study of psychology and appreciate the place of psychology as a science in modern society.
- Demonstrate their knowledge of introductory psychology on the Advanced Placement Psychology Examination.
Course Length: One Year
Text: Myers Psychology for the AP Course, 3rd. Edition Updated
Advanced Placement Psychology, AMSCO, 3rd Edition
Materials List: Paper, Pen, Notebook, Expo Chisel Dry Erase Marker, Laptop
AP Course Demands:
It should be understood at the outset that the expectations of this class are consistent with those of any Advanced Placement course. Students should expect a workload similar to what they have if they were to complete this course at the college level. This includes extensive reading, active involvement in class discussions, taking notes, and doing research. Topics discussed will be at college level and may include topics that make students uncomfortable or challenge their current beliefs. iPrep Academy is a Global Magnet School and global themes will be infused into the curriculum throughout the entire school year. The four specific student outcomes that we are pursuing are as follows: An Appreciation for Diversity; Cultural Understanding; Global Knowledge, and Global Engagement. All major assignments will be posted on the calendar on my website; so, check regularly.
The “New and Improved” AP Psychology Course
In 2022, the American Psychological Association (APA) released recommendations for introductory psychology course content and skills. To align with these recommendations and with how college and university instructors in the U.S. teach introductory psychology, the College Board revised the AP Psychology course and exam. The revisions went into effect with the 2024-25 school year.
Course Outline:
Unit 0: Science Practices
We will start the course with an introduction to Psychology Science Practices that are applied throughout the course (Concept Application, Research Methods and Design, Data Interpretation, and Argumentation).
Units of Instruction
Exam Weighting
Unit 1: Biological Bases of Behavior
15–25%
Unit 2: Cognition
15–25%
Unit 3: Development and Learning
15–25%
Unit 4: Social Psychology and Personality
15–25%
Unit 5: Mental and Physical Health
15–25%
Academic Grade Evaluation
Class Work: 10 points
Home Learning: 10 points
Notebook: 25 points
Participation: 25 points
Mini-Quizzes: 25 points
Quizzes: 50 points
Tests: 100 points
Mini-Projects: 50 points
Projects/Simulations: 100 points
All assignments must be turned in on time or will be penalized one letter grade per day. Make-up assignments must be requested if you are absent from class. You have up to one week to make up any missed assignments or tests. I will post all major assignments on the assignment calendar on my webpage so please check regularly.
Attendance and Conduct
1. Regular and prompt attendance is required I strictly enforce the iPrep Academy attendance policy. If you have five or more unexcused absences from CLASS, credit may be withheld. As an incentive to have good attendance on test and project days, I will offer a bonus of three points to all students if the entire class is present and on time to class on a test day and project presentation days.
2. Be in your seat, quiet and ready for work at the beginning of class
3. Please follow the school rules regarding the dress code (dressed appropriately and mindful of your remote surroundings).
4. Academic integrity is priceless! Academic integrity means honesty and responsibility in scholarship. Academic assignments exist to help students learn; grades exist to show how fully this goal is attained. Therefore, all work, and all grades should result from the student's own understanding and effort.
5. Classroom Policy for the Use of AI Programs
In this classroom, the responsible and ethical use of AI programs—such as ChatGPT—is encouraged to support and enhance learning, not replace it. All use of AI must receive prior teacher approval and should only be used to complement students’ critical thinking and creativity. Work generated with AI assistance must be original, properly cited, and aligned with our standards of academic integrity. Misuse of AI, including plagiarism or using AI as a substitute for understanding, will not be tolerated and may lead to consequences. Additionally, any assignment may be subject to a verbal review; students should be prepared to explain their work independently. Failure to do so may be interpreted as inappropriate reliance on AI. Respect for privacy and data security is always expected. By following these expectations, we can responsibly integrate AI tools into our educational journey while preserving the integrity and goals of authentic learning.
6. Respect and Responsibility are what we are all about at iPrep. Be respectful and act responsibly!
Important Reminders
1. Parents and students are encouraged to check the parent and student portal to access student’s grades, academic progress and attendance. The M-DCPS portal can be found at www.dadeschools.net. Please make it your responsibility and your child’s responsibility to check the portal on a regular basis. This will help us help your child be successful at school. I also post major assignments to the assignment calendar embedded in my website so check regularly.
2. Parents are welcome to request conferences on your progress. Please call the school or e-mail me to arrange an appointment.
3. Parent conferences will be scheduled for academic, effort and conduct problems that surface during the year.
4. How to contact Mr. Sultz-Email: [email protected]
On A Personal Note:
As your instructor, I will do everything possible to make this class both interesting and challenging for you. I will give my best effort, and I only ask the same from you. Please plan to come to class prepared and alert. I will try to get to know each of you personally and to be available for any problems or concerns that arise during the year. If you need extra help, please seek me for assistance.
After reading and understanding these guidelines, students should sign below and have their parent or guardian also sign it. Then return this to Mr. Sultz.
Parents should please contact me with any questions or concerns. I look forward to a fantastic school year!
Sincerely,
Mr. Bradley E. Sultz, MS, NBCT iPrep Academy
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
Mr. Sultz’s Course Guidelines Confirmation of Receipt
Student
By signing below, I as the student confirm that I have read the course guidelines for Mr. Sultz’s class and that I fully understand the policies and procedures that have been outlined within it. As a student, I agree to abide by these policies and understand the consequences if I choose not to. I understand the importance of communicating with Mr. Sultz if I ever have any questions so that we can work together to solve any problems. I understand that I have elected to take an Advanced Placement (AP) level course, which means that I will be doing college level work, with a significant amount of homework. The work will be significantly harder than if I took an academic or honors section and I will have to work hard to earn the grade that I desire.
_________________________________________ _____________
Student Name (Print) Date
_________________________________________ _____________
Student Signature Date
Parent/Guardian
By signing below, I as the parent/guardian confirm that I have read the course guidelines for Mr. Sultz’s class and that I fully understand the policies and procedures that have been outlined within it. I understand the importance of communicating with Mr. Sultz if I ever have any questions so that we can work together to solve any problems. I understand that my student has elected to take an Advanced Placement (AP) level course, which means that they will be doing college level work, with a significant amount of homework. The work will be significantly harder than if they took an academic or honors section and they will have to work hard to earn the grade that they desire.
_________________________________________ _____________
Parent/Guardian Name (Print) Date
_________________________________________ _____________
Parent/Guardian Signature Date
________________________________________
Parent/Guardian Phone Number
_________________________________________
Parent/Guardian E-mail