This summer institute provides new and experienced teachers of AP United States History with an overview of the 2020-21 Curriculum Framework. Participants will use the curriculum framework to develop teaching strategies and student activities that enhance historical thinking skills and reasoning processes. The course will emphasize preparing students for success on the AP US History Exam and understanding the AP History Scoring Rubrics. It will help teachers better understand both the course content and the themes in AP United States history. Participants should bring a copy of their favorite lesson or strategy to share with the group during a best practices session. If possible, they also should bring a copy of their current AP US History textbook. Each participant will receive a copy of the 2019 Workshop Handbook and Resources Guide, the Curriculum Framework Evidence Planner, and numerous student-centered activities, resources, lessons focused on teaching AP US History. Upon completion of the course, participants will know how to utilize the curriculum framework to improve student performance on the AP Exam, evaluate student essays using the AP History scoring rubrics, and implement strategies to maximize student success in their AP US History courses.
- An overview of the College Board’s changes to the 2020 AP United States History Course and Exam.
- An explanation of materials in the 2019/20 Course and Exam Description Binder.
- A discussion about the 2019 Fall AP Registration Process
- A description of the 2019 Personal Progress Checks
- Throughout the Summer Institute, participants will learn how to implement effective instructional approaches and develop engaging curriculum units using the 2019/20 Course and Exam Binder
DAY 1
Topics:
- Course Introduction
- Understanding the Structure of the Course and Exam Description (CED)
- Exploring the Unit Guides and Themes
- Using the Course and Exam Description to Develop Student Understanding
- Historical Thinking Skills and Reasoning Processes and the AP US History Course
- Understanding and Scoring the Short Answer Question
- Using the Short Answer Question to Develop Historical Thinking Skills
- Assessing Student Understanding in AP US History
DAY 2
Topics:
- Sequencing and the AP US History Course
- Helping Students Make Connections Part I (Chronological Reasoning)
- Understanding and Scoring the Long Essay Question (LEQ)
- Strategies to Enhance Student Achievement on LEQs
- Strategies and Pedagogical Tools for Teaching AP U.S. History
- Understanding and Exploring AP Classroom
- Using AP Classroom to Develop Historical Thinking Skills and Reinforce Course Content
- Selecting Resources to Support Teaching AP US History
DAY 3
Topics:
- Understanding and Scoring the Document-Based Question (DBQ)
- Strategies to Enhance Student Achievement on the DBQ
- Methods and Activities to Help Students Analyze Primary and Secondary Sources
- Helping Students Understand Contextualization
- Methods and Activities for Argument Development
- Helping Students Make Connections Part II (Comparison)
- Sharing Strategies and Best Practices for Teaching AP US History
DAY 4/5
Topics:
- Using Stimulus-Based Multiple-Choice Question to Develop Historical Thinking Skills
- How to Help Students Review for the AP US History Exam
- Interpreting Data on the Instructional Planning Report
- Utilizing the Instructional Planning Report to Enhance Instruction
- AP Course Audit and Curriculum Requirements
- Planning Your AP US History Course and Syllabus
- Concluding Remarks and Course Evaluation
Timothy J. Greene is the Social Studies Department Coordinator at Jersey Shore Area School District in Jersey Shore, PA, where he has taught pre-AP and AP United States History since 1997. He received a 1993 James Madison Fellowship and earned a master’s degree in history from The Ohio State University. He is an experienced reader, table leader, and workshop consultant for the AP United States History Exam. He is the author of the Teacher’s Resource Guide to the American Pageant (15th ed., 16th ed., and forthcoming 17th ed.) and the Focus on AP Success chapter previews in The American Pageant (16th ed. and forthcoming 17th ed. ) He is currently writing The Teacher’s Companion to AP United States History for Cengage and National Geographic Learning. The OAH Magazine of History and EDCITEment published his lesson plans about the NAACP’s anti-lynching campaign.
Course Instructor

Timothy Greene
M.A. Degree, Ohio State University
Institute Faculty
The faculty have been selected for their teaching expertise, creativity, innovations in teaching and experience with the AP* Program curriculum. All faculty members are endorsed and certified by the Middle Atlantic Regional Office of The College Board and have demonstrated a commitment to excellence that is second to none.
Daily Schedule
Classes run from 7:30-400 – Instructors will send you an agenda with their class times. Class times may vary depending on the instructor.
Opportunity
Instructors encourage sharing among participants that will enhance the knowledge and skills of all participants for effective teaching. The opportunity to exchange and communicate with instructors and colleagues within the Middle Atlantic Region and beyond is a valued support resource for the entire school year.
Questions/comments
Questions/concerns about your particular course can be addressed by going to course description and clicking on the “Ask a Question” button. You will then be able to e-mail the instructor. Any problems call the Lewes AP* Summer Institute office at 302-567-1400.

* This Summer Institute has been endorsed by Advanced Placement Program, AP, Pre-AP, College Board and it’s logo are registered trademarks of the College Board.