Impending Significant Change in AP Tests

xiggi
Sat, 30 Jan 2010 14:30:17 +0000

Xiggi:

It seems that your main criticism of the AP curriculum is the claim that AP classes are college level classes. And with that criticism, I would agree.



Marite, is it possible that you just did what I do so often when my mind thinks faster than I type … resulting in dropped words? In this case, I’d like to add that I hope you agree with me that “AP classes are NOT college level classes.”

Inasmuch as I do not want to give new life to the entire debate about AP versus IB or the role of such programs in our high schools, I want to make clear that I am far from opposed to raising the standards of our curriculum, and especially seeing a clearer and smoother alignment between middle school and college. I simply do not think that the cornucopia of AP offers much of an answer. I also think that the explosion of AP courses with limited value and appeal is yet another step in the wrong direction, and is fueled entirely by ulterior motives of an organization that has too many masters to please --and none of them being the students aka the consumers.

I do remember the example of your family in France. A passing rate of 30% on the Bac is indeed alarming. On the other hand, if the recent statistics are true, well above 80% of all french lycee-goers do pass the much dreaded test. Although the type of grading of the test disallows it to be considered a standardized test, I believe that it reflects the value of imposing a COMPREHENSIVE standardized test to all the students. We know that the PSAT, ACT, and SAT are standardized but not comprehensive, and thus are not good candidates. However, the AP tests are much worse candidates.

As far as the difference in performance and preparation among countries, there are sufficient international tests that confirm that the gap between the US and the rest of the industrialized world is widening. A Nation at Risk … is a true today as it was 25 years ago.

I remain steadfast in my belief that the AP tests should be offered in the manner that the SAT is currently given, and not be allowed to monopolize two weeks of classes in May. In turn, a revamped and vastly expanded combined SAT/SAT2 program should be offered in May of the Junior year and in October of the Senior Year for students who missed the first session. One national test. One trial and one “repechage.” That is IT!

And for the people who want to accumulate AP trophies, they’d have four years and plenty of Saturdays!