It’s Not About the Money. It’s About the Kids – Page 10

Placement in Advanced Placement course sections is sometimes regarded as a reflection of achievement. That may have been true many years ago when placement by ability levels was the norm. 

Now, however, students are placed in mixed-level ability course sections where aides are provided for students with identified disabilities.

In 2018. at Middletown High School, 11 courses were scheduled with multiple sections of some courses.

For example, 52 11^th grade students (in a class of approximately 138) were assigned to 3 sections of AP English Language.

In addition, 26 12^th grade students (in a class of approximately 132) were assigned to 2 sections of AP English Literature.   

Further, 35 10^th grade students (in a class of approximately 99 students) were assigned to 2 sections of English 10 Honors.

Now look at the test results. Of 169 AP exams administered, only 73% scored a 3 or better, which is the acceptable standard.

Advanced Placement has sometimes become a way to get around current mandates rather acceleration for high achievers.