My children attend a parochial school. The school just implemented a few AP classes in the past few years. I don't think many students have passed the AP exams with passing scores. However, our students have been admitted to very selective universities(University of Notre Dame, University of Michigan, University of Chicago, to name a few) and do well. How does one explain this and should I be concerned for my children? There father graduated from a highly selective university and expects them to get in. We are totally unaware how these AP courses, or lack of, will hinder there chances.
I teach AP chem. In my school district many students are encouraged to take AP classes. AP chem is one of the more rigorous classes and does require previous sucess in chemistry as well as a good math background. Unfortunately, my district also believes in "remediation" so if a student has failed a quarter, he/she is allowed to "remediate". This is both good and bad. For a truly struggling student in a non-AP class, it affords the opportunity to re-learn the material. But in an AP class, if we are required to teach at the college level, it can undermine the academic goal. I try to stress that although I want every student to pass the test (and I require ALL of them to test), just exposure to a college level class can ensure they develop the skills necessary to do well IN college. Often I tell my students that by taking my AP chem class can guarantee a passing grade in college chem.
If one doesn't do the work or show the ability, AP should not be a class for them. AP doesn't stand for anyone placement. Classes like that challenge the best students, and that is what the class is for.
If students are requesting the AP courses for their rigor and content, not just for GPAs, then perhaps the "regular" curriculum should be enhanced and made more challenging. If the increase in enrollment is for GPAs, then absolutely it should remain the privilege of those who are advanced enough to take them. Is this another case of schools backing down to pressure from students/parents who really have no authority to determine educational policy? AP courses are by design, for only advanced students able to handle such curriculum. Keep some standards high!!
Our school has a limited number of spaces for AP students, therefore, yes the best and brightest usually get in. However, with the opening up of more sections, there would be more opportunity for 'average' students to try it out. However, when districts begin to look at how well students do on the test, numbers of 4's and 5's as a way to validate the courses(and teachers) existence, then we have a problem with inclusion of 'average students'. We can't have it both ways.....
Access and enrollment in AP courses doesn't guarantee college credit and doesn't necessarily translate into preparation for college success. Why not put the same amount of money into dual credit courses taken on college campuses? Students not only experience the more rigorous curriculum with less hand-holding; they also learn to handle changes in scheduling, mixed-aged classes, and some of the new freedom that comes with college enrollment.
Our local charter high school, Greenville Technical Charter High School, a member of the Middle College National Consortium, graduates students every year with high school diplomas and associates degrees from college in college transfer programs articulated throughout our state university system. Tuition and the cost of textbooks are picked up by the high school and the college. In a state like ours (SC), where still only a little over half of our students graduate from high school, these kids are often the first in their families to earn a high school diploma. They leave knowing they are halfway to becoming the first in the family to graduate from college, as well.
If advanced placement means that the curriculum is within the scope of the high school adjenda therefore completed at the high school---- YES.
If advanced placement means not being on campus or college real estate and getting the 'credit' for taking a course that was administered by a single high school teacher so students are denied the experience of the campus and it's philosophy etc.------NO
Colleges need to be in control of the diploma's real meaning.
High Schools need to be able to 'fill in' where needed with 'extended activities'.
Both need to examine the complete sensory base of each activity at each 'location' to see if the experience of the student is 'complete'.
I agree with Ruth in that many students take AP classes to pad their GPA. However, requiring students to take the exam to take the course or receive the 6-point A becomes an equity issue. This requirement will segregate students into haves and have-nots. The extra quality points on the GPA should be a reflection of the day-to-day rigor of the course, not the exam.
I agree that many students take AP classes in order to pad their GPA. However, requiring students to take the exam becomes an equity issue. If we require students to pay to take the exam in order to take the course, then we segregate students into haves and have-nots. The 6-point a should be a reflection of the day-to-day rigor of the course, not seat-time during a 3-hour exam.
AP classes should be available to any student who is motivated enough to sign up for AP. Sometimes, the "average" student is only average because she/he is bored with "average" classes and there's no motivation to excel. That said, I wish there was a way to ensure students who sign up for AP want the challenge first and foremost. Taking the exam and having a chance to gain college credit is a bonus, but shouldn't be the carrot at the end of the stick.
I'm very glad I had the opportunity to take AP English 29 years ago. I loved it.
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My children attend a
My children attend a parochial school. The school just implemented a few AP classes in the past few years. I don't think many students have passed the AP exams with passing scores. However, our students have been admitted to very selective universities(University of Notre Dame, University of Michigan, University of Chicago, to name a few) and do well. How does one explain this and should I be concerned for my children? There father graduated from a highly selective university and expects them to get in. We are totally unaware how these AP courses, or lack of, will hinder there chances.
Thank you.
AP Classes
I teach AP chem. In my school district many students are encouraged to take AP classes. AP chem is one of the more rigorous classes and does require previous sucess in chemistry as well as a good math background. Unfortunately, my district also believes in "remediation" so if a student has failed a quarter, he/she is allowed to "remediate". This is both good and bad. For a truly struggling student in a non-AP class, it affords the opportunity to re-learn the material. But in an AP class, if we are required to teach at the college level, it can undermine the academic goal. I try to stress that although I want every student to pass the test (and I require ALL of them to test), just exposure to a college level class can ensure they develop the skills necessary to do well IN college. Often I tell my students that by taking my AP chem class can guarantee a passing grade in college chem.
A = Advanced
If one doesn't do the work or show the ability, AP should not be a class for them. AP doesn't stand for anyone placement. Classes like that challenge the best students, and that is what the class is for.
AP classes
If students are requesting the AP courses for their rigor and content, not just for GPAs, then perhaps the "regular" curriculum should be enhanced and made more challenging. If the increase in enrollment is for GPAs, then absolutely it should remain the privilege of those who are advanced enough to take them. Is this another case of schools backing down to pressure from students/parents who really have no authority to determine educational policy? AP courses are by design, for only advanced students able to handle such curriculum. Keep some standards high!!
AP Courses
Our school has a limited number of spaces for AP students, therefore, yes the best and brightest usually get in. However, with the opening up of more sections, there would be more opportunity for 'average' students to try it out. However, when districts begin to look at how well students do on the test, numbers of 4's and 5's as a way to validate the courses(and teachers) existence, then we have a problem with inclusion of 'average students'. We can't have it both ways.....
AP courses
Access and enrollment in AP courses doesn't guarantee college credit and doesn't necessarily translate into preparation for college success. Why not put the same amount of money into dual credit courses taken on college campuses? Students not only experience the more rigorous curriculum with less hand-holding; they also learn to handle changes in scheduling, mixed-aged classes, and some of the new freedom that comes with college enrollment.
Our local charter high school, Greenville Technical Charter High School, a member of the Middle College National Consortium, graduates students every year with high school diplomas and associates degrees from college in college transfer programs articulated throughout our state university system. Tuition and the cost of textbooks are picked up by the high school and the college. In a state like ours (SC), where still only a little over half of our students graduate from high school, these kids are often the first in their families to earn a high school diploma. They leave knowing they are halfway to becoming the first in the family to graduate from college, as well.
advanced placement
If advanced placement means that the curriculum is within the scope of the high school adjenda therefore completed at the high school---- YES.
If advanced placement means not being on campus or college real estate and getting the 'credit' for taking a course that was administered by a single high school teacher so students are denied the experience of the campus and it's philosophy etc.------NO
Colleges need to be in control of the diploma's real meaning.
High Schools need to be able to 'fill in' where needed with 'extended activities'.
Both need to examine the complete sensory base of each activity at each 'location' to see if the experience of the student is 'complete'.
Requiring students to take the exam
I agree with Ruth in that many students take AP classes to pad their GPA. However, requiring students to take the exam to take the course or receive the 6-point A becomes an equity issue. This requirement will segregate students into haves and have-nots. The extra quality points on the GPA should be a reflection of the day-to-day rigor of the course, not the exam.
AP weighted credit
I agree that many students take AP classes in order to pad their GPA. However, requiring students to take the exam becomes an equity issue. If we require students to pay to take the exam in order to take the course, then we segregate students into haves and have-nots. The 6-point a should be a reflection of the day-to-day rigor of the course, not seat-time during a 3-hour exam.
AP classes
AP classes should be available to any student who is motivated enough to sign up for AP. Sometimes, the "average" student is only average because she/he is bored with "average" classes and there's no motivation to excel. That said, I wish there was a way to ensure students who sign up for AP want the challenge first and foremost. Taking the exam and having a chance to gain college credit is a bonus, but shouldn't be the carrot at the end of the stick.
I'm very glad I had the opportunity to take AP English 29 years ago. I loved it.