Yesterday, I ranted on about the College Board. This led to a Facebook hosted discussion which got me thinking a little more:
Advanced Placement exams basically exist because we don’t trust our high school teachers.
I usually use phrases like “society doesn’t trust” but let’s personalize it this time – for parents, think about whether or not you trust your kids teachers? Do you a large private, unaccountable organization more?
If you teach an advanced placement course, in order for your class to be listed as AP you have to submit your syllabus to the college board for approval. This sounds like they’re setting a standard but it’s not. I can point to a bunch of teachers who have submitted identical syllabi where sometimes it’s accepted but ofttimes it’s rejected. This is the syllabus we submitted originally for Stuy. Yes, we have high achieving kids, but given the fact that the syllabus was approved originally and that Stuy students just about all score 4 or 5 on APCS-A should tell you something about the level of care or competence of the College Board.
Related: Dane County, WI AP course offering comparison.