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AP tests no match for Greeks, Rick Astley
by Chongsheng Chen
Op-Ed | 10/7/08
Posted online at 3:28 AM EST on 10/7/08
The AP curriculum could also be to blame. Schools have actually elected to drop AP, according to Bruce Hammond, who runs the Web site "Excellence Without AP." They've been opting instead for curricula that are more hands-on with less rote memorization, more inclusive of certain surveys of the humanities and that have more studies through non-traditional disciplines such as film studies.
Colleges have increased the required AP test scores for credit; Brandeis requires scores of 4 or 5 in order to receive course exemptions, but some exams will not receive credit at all, such as AP German Literature. This is most likely due to significant variation in AP curricula, as shown in Mathews' article. Not all AP courses are "advanced." So what should be done with APs so that students will take them seriously?
Keep AP courses in schools, but on the condition that course quality must emphasize college-level study skills over rote memorization. Teacher quality must also improve; more teachers must be recruited and trained in AP courses. Meanwhile, AP alternatives, such as the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program, should be introduced to more American schools. The IB curriculum is much more rigorous, emphasizing three core requirements in addition to a required exam. Schools should also make their own curricula more rigorous.
But we cannot simply add more courses to high schools and say that we're solving the AP quality problem. Student motivation needs to get stronger, transcending simply working to earn a grade in favor of an actual passion for knowledge.
How can we emphasize passion for knowledge? The college admissions race emphasizes the "well-rounded" student with the highest GPA, SAT and AP scores, and sometimes class rank. The rat race of college admissions is apparent; this must be stopped. Combined with the failure of some schools to deliver quality education through AP courses, that race is even more apparent and dangerous. A shallow curriculum focused on grades and test preparation will only promote more unmotivated students to lack skills for college study.
In short, "This is Sparta!" is a warning message to schools and educators everywhere: APs are no longer completely synonymous with high quality, college-level courses. Do something about it.
Colleges have increased the required AP test scores for credit; Brandeis requires scores of 4 or 5 in order to receive course exemptions, but some exams will not receive credit at all, such as AP German Literature. This is most likely due to significant variation in AP curricula, as shown in Mathews' article. Not all AP courses are "advanced." So what should be done with APs so that students will take them seriously?
Keep AP courses in schools, but on the condition that course quality must emphasize college-level study skills over rote memorization. Teacher quality must also improve; more teachers must be recruited and trained in AP courses. Meanwhile, AP alternatives, such as the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program, should be introduced to more American schools. The IB curriculum is much more rigorous, emphasizing three core requirements in addition to a required exam. Schools should also make their own curricula more rigorous.
But we cannot simply add more courses to high schools and say that we're solving the AP quality problem. Student motivation needs to get stronger, transcending simply working to earn a grade in favor of an actual passion for knowledge.
How can we emphasize passion for knowledge? The college admissions race emphasizes the "well-rounded" student with the highest GPA, SAT and AP scores, and sometimes class rank. The rat race of college admissions is apparent; this must be stopped. Combined with the failure of some schools to deliver quality education through AP courses, that race is even more apparent and dangerous. A shallow curriculum focused on grades and test preparation will only promote more unmotivated students to lack skills for college study.
In short, "This is Sparta!" is a warning message to schools and educators everywhere: APs are no longer completely synonymous with high quality, college-level courses. Do something about it.
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