Calculus AB - Experienced: Howard Alcosser

Biographical Information: Howard Alcosser

Howard Alcosser has taught all levels of high school mathematics for 34 years. He has taught AP Calculus AB and BC and IB Higher Level Math at Diamond Bar High School in Diamond Bar, California for 30 years where he has been the architect of the AP Calculus program that was designated "Best in the World" in 2005 and "Best in the Nation" in 2007 by the College Board in their Report to the Nation and California's Best by the Siemens Foundation in 2008. The College Board named Howard in 2006 as one of 20 Exemplary AP Teachers in the Western Region.

Howard has been an AP Calculus Reader for the past 10 years and has led workshops as a College Board Endorsed Consultant in Hawaii, Tacoma, Long Beach, Salt Lake City, San Diego, Los Angeles, Denver, Chicago, Atlanta, Sacramento, Minneapolis, Hollywood, Riverside, Spokane, Birmingham, and San Antonio. He has also presented at AP Annual Conferences in Washington D.C., Las Vegas, and San Antonio, and for the California Mathematics Council in Palm Springs, California as well as the NCTM Conference.

Howard also has a website that includes AP Calculus free response solutions and helps teachers and students with mathematics questions called "ASK MR. CALCULUS"

Participants' comments about Howard's workshops:

- Clarified the grading process; lots of ideas from teacher & fellow students about how to teach certain topics or how to manage the class.
- Enthusiasm of instructor; knowledge and responsive to questions.
- Good material. - Going over the AP questions; learning what the graders are looking for; sharing information with other teachers.
- Instructor was very knowledgeable and provided us with many useful handouts. It really helped me to know the expectations of AP Calculus graders.
- Very practical! It was not only theory, but how to apply it.
- The examples were very well explained. Presenter addressed our needs.
- The many motivational idea for students. Very useful information, especially on motivating students to be successful.
- I wanted to thank you for providing us with some great ideas and materials at the workshop. Last year I incorporated the FIVES sheets into my lessons and "stole" some other ideas and the results were great. The pass rate was the highest it has ever been and the highest in our district and we had more 5s than ever before!!!