Many students wonder what the difference is in the teaching styles of Honors level classes compared to CP1 levels. Multiple teachers educate students in both levels so the change can be very minimal but it is still there. The difficulty in honors classes is supposed to be higher than CP1 classes, however it is possible for teachers to make both levels the same difficulty.. In classes like math, history or science, one learns the same curriculum; however, honors level classes learn extra information and at a faster pace. Meanwhile, in a class like English, alternate levels could read completely different books from each other. Additionally, the level of difficulty regardless of the level can depend on the teacher and their teaching style.
Various teachers instruct both honors and CP1 level classes and teach them as if they are the same level. This is not beneficial because people sign up for different levels of difficulties within their classes for a reason. If a CP1 class is taught like an honors class it is more likely that the student will not do well as they can have a harder time grasping the concept or keeping up with the pace of the course. Additionally, honors classes have more expectations and less leniency.
CP1 teachers that only teach CP1 level students tend to give more assistance to their students. For example, they make more study guides, provide answer keys and have realistic expectations. Asking for help can be hard for a student, especially when they are in the higher level and are presumed to be able to do the work themselves. Honors classes give the illusion that the students do not have the ability to get extra assistance which is just not true. However, CP1 classes clearly show that help is available and that causes more comfort ability in reaching out to teachers for assistance. Even though it is easier to get support in CP1 classes, the impression that you cannot get help in honors classes is discouraging.
Going into freshman year, the Honors classes are particularly hard. A student does not know what to expect when they go from easy middle school classes into challenging high school ones. Therefore, the higher level classes are much more difficult to adjust to one’s first year of high school. People figure out what courses work for them and set the standard for their future academic career.
In all, the distinction between CP1 and Honors courses is the teaching itself. Some classes do not have a difference at all, while others are completely unalike. Although the required amount of basic academics remains the same, additional factors can be added on to the class. The challenge of CP1 and Honors level classes depends on the ability of the student and the type of educator they get.
