Some schools are phasing out
Advanced Placement classes in favor of crafting their own curriculums, not centered on the A.P. test.
Rewind 10 years. With seconds to spare, I've scooted into my first class of the day just before the morning bell. A.P. English Literature. It was one of my favorite classes. It was hard, but I actually felt like I was learning and retaining information (all of which, surely, has been forgotten, hence the poorly written blog you're resting your eyes upon).
And then came the A.P. exam. I don't remember my score, but I do remember the ulcer that was developing in my stomach. Thinking my college acceptance hinged on the test result, I studied relentlessly and stressed constantly.
And therein lies the problem that many schools are trying to avoid: For some, A.P. tests have morphed into the "sure way to get into college" rather than simply a resource for students that may need more advanced courses than are offered in High School.
Over half of United States high schools offer at least one A.P. class. But some high schools are slowly phasing out A.P. classes. One such school is Scarsdale High in New York. Scarsdale has introduced the alternative to A.P. classes in the form of Advanced Topics (A.T.) classes, and made A.P. exams optional. A.T. classes feature curriculums that, while still advanced, were not crafted around A.P. requirements.
Much like the move away from SATs, the phasing out of A.P. classes has sparked a heated debate. Even as schools move away from A.P. classes, the A.P. exam scores are still--according to Harvard's dean of admissions—and important part of college applications.
Some students feel the A.T. curriculum left them less prepared for the A.P. exam. Others appreciate the freedom to explore additional topics within a subject—topics that were not covered on the A.P. test.
The debate doesn't end with students. School administrators that see the benefits of A.T. classes, and desire to make the switch, are forced to answer to parents that are strong advocates of A.P. classes.
As for me personally, I'm just glad I finished high school before the ulcer could fully develop.
So,
Biology-Forums.com users,
how do you feel about A.P. classes? Would you prefer curriculums that aren't based on the A.P. exam? Are A.P. exam scores an accurate gauge of college performance? Do share, and I'll give you a 5, the highest A.P. score.
