Tammy NETTLES
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Tammy Nettles brings extensive experience in AP World Language instruction and leadership. Since 2018, Tammy has served as an AP French Consultant for the College Board. In this role, she delivers AP Summer Institute and one-day workshop training, equipping educators with the skills and strategies needed to meet the demands of AP courses. Tammy has also contributed to the development of AP instructional materials, including AP Daily and AP Fall Workshop videos, ensuring educators and students have access to high-quality, up-to-date resources.
In addition to teaching, Tammy has served as Director of World Languages for Fort Worth ISD and Principal of the Lycée Français de la Nouvelle Orléans. Currently, Tammy works with the federal government testing division. When not working, Tammy is planning her next road trip to the beach. |
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Join me at the AP French Language and Culture Summer Institute as we explore the significant changes coming to the course and exam. This institute is designed to help teachers confidently transition from the current course framework to the new assessment model, including the introduction of the course project, updated exam structure, and revised expectations for student performance.
Throughout the week, participants will examine the connections between course skills, instructional design, and assessment while engaging in hands-on planning and collaboration. Teachers will have opportunities to redesign units, revise syllabi, explore project implementation strategies, analyze scoring guidelines, and develop practical approaches for supporting students throughout the year. Special attention will be given to integrating the course project into existing curricula, preparing students for the new exam format, and balancing rigor with appropriate scaffolding.
By the end of the institute, participants will leave with a clearer understanding of the course changes, a plan for implementation, and classroom-ready materials that can be adapted to their own teaching contexts.
AGENDA:
The AP French course is entering an exciting period of change with the introduction of a new exam structure and course project. This institute is designed to help teachers better connect with these changes, make informed instructional decisions, and leave with a practical plan for implementation.
Throughout the week, participants will engage in collaborative planning, examine course and assessment updates (including the sample course project), redesign instructional materials, and develop strategies to support student success in the revised AP French course.* Our focus is not simply understanding the changes–it is preparing to implement them.
*Note: This year, I have set my workshop up as a Maker Space. We will be actively updating and revising our curriculum throughout the week. I’ve designed sample units for new-to-AP teachers who do not yet have thematic units planned.
Day 1: Understanding the Changes & Building the Foundation**
We will:
● Examine the major changes to the AP French course and assessment ● Explore the structure and purpose of the course project
● Experience and analyze a sample project
● Review the new exam format and discuss instructional implications
● Begin identifying areas of your course that may require revision
You will leave with:
A clear understanding of course and exam changes
An implementation framework for the course project
Initial ideas for integrating project components into your curriculum (The Redesign Toolkit Section One: Project and Unit Supports)
Day 2: Exam Skills, Unit Redesign & Project Development**
● Analyze the skills students need to succeed on the revised exam
● Connect assessment expectations to classroom instruction
● Redesign an existing unit using backward design principles
● Design a project-inspired performance task that can be implemented during the first semester as preparation for the official AP project
Tammy Davis, AP Consultant APSI French Language & Culture 2026
● Collaborate with colleagues to refine instructional plans
You will leave with:
A redesigned unit aligned to course and exam expectations
A project-inspired performance task for classroom implementation
Practical strategies for building project skills throughout the year (The Redesign Toolkit Section Two: Assessment Tools)
Day 3: Differentiation, Resources & Classroom Implementation**
We will:
● Explore strategies for maintaining rigor while increasing student access ● Address common challenges such as mixed-level classes and varying proficiency levels ● Examine authentic resources and their role in skill development
● Discuss instructional supports available through AP Classroom, Bluebook, and other College Board resource
● Develop scaffolds and supports that help students successfully complete project-based tasks
You will leave with:
Differentiation strategies you can use immediately
Purposeful integration of AP resources into instruction
A stronger and more classroom-ready unit plan (The Redesign Toolkit Section Three: Skill-building Strategies)
Day 4: Finalizing Plans & Preparing for the School Year**
We will:
● Finalize unit and syllabus revisions
● Complete implementation plans for the opening weeks of school
● Refine project timelines and instructional supports
● Share successful classroom practices and instructional strategies
● Reflect on remaining questions and implementation challenges
● Complete the College Board APSI survey
You will leave with:
- A practical plan for launching the revised course
- A personalized AP French Teaching Toolkit
- A project-inspired performance task ready for classroom use
- Classroom-ready materials and implementation strategies (The Redesign Toolkit Section Four: Engagement)
- Greater confidence in teaching the revised AP French course
By the End of the APSI, You will Have:
- A clear understanding of the new AP French course and exam
- A practical plan for implementing the course project
- A redesigned or revised instructions unit
- A project-inspired performance task that prepares students for the AP project experience
- Strategies for supporting diverse learners while maintaining rigor
- A personalized toolkit of resources and instructional practices
| marin_apsi_agenda_outline__french_.pdf |