Agenda – French Language and Culture

Designed for new and experienced teachers, this AP French Language and Culture summer institute is structured to provide teachers with a clear understanding of the new framework as well as strategies and resources to create or adapt their AP course.

 

Day 1 

Goal: Understand the structural changes of the 2026-27 course and exam redesign

  • Welcome & community building
  • Navigate the new Course and Exam Description (CED): skills and learning objectives, updated themes, new components and organization of the exam
  • Deep dive into the Project Manual: project phases, research, resources, and the Personal Project Reference; interpersonal Q & A task
  • Explore the new scoring guidelines & rubrics
  • Unpack Bluebook – the digital exam platform
  • Browse AP Classroom resources
  • Expand AP opportunities: building your AP program from the bottom up

Assignment: Read and annotate the sample project prompt and sources (provided)

 

Day 2

Goal: Develop course outline based on unit themes and school calendar

    • Evaluate unit themes and project to draft year-long instructional pacing of thematic units
    • Review sample project prompt; explore theme and focus of 2027 project
    • Unpack the Argumentative Essay via backwards design planning: scaffolding skills and content
    • Develop instructional sequences to target skill development by units
    • Identify authentic resources from across the francophone world
    • Plan for and around the Personal Project 
  • Brainstorm topics for mini-projects & presentations

Assignment: Complete MCQs of 2020 exam (AP classroom)

 

Day 3

Goal: Develop an instructional unit based on one of the six required themes

  • Review the cultural framework of products, practices and perspectives
  • Maximize music/songs as authentic resources, interpretive listening practices, cultural artifacts
  • Examine interpretive tasks and question types
  • Develop strategies for success on interpretive tasks
  • Scaffold authentic material for different proficiency levels
  • Construct an instructional unit
  • Explore syllabus requirements & AP audit
  • Identify skills and content for pre-AP courses

Assignment: Complete one thematic unit that includes three modes of communication, authentic resources, and one mini-project presentation

Day 4

Goal: Complete syllabus outline & course planning for 2026-27 school year

  • Evaluate syllabus document for required content, diversity in representation of francophone world, use of authentic resources, and AP audit requirements
  • Share and evaluate instructional units
  • Review AP classroom resources
  • Share final reflections and concerns