Monday, November 13, 2006
AP Grades and Hysteria
Inevitably, this time of the year strikes fear in the hearts of all AP students: the dreaded first quarter report cards! It is fearsome because a) this is a group of students who are concerned about grades, and b) grades can play a role in the next step for these young people. That said, I think it is necessary for all concerned to step back and take a collective breath. Grades matter, sure, but there's more to consider than just the grade on the paper. So I put forth the following three considerations for my students' perusal:
1. AP is not meant to bury you. Now, I know that that's easy for me to say; I'm the one doling out the grades, not anxiously awaiting them (to send out to College A or University B). But you have to remember that the course is set up in such a way so as not to destroy your hopes of getting into Brown or Harvard or Cornell. Yes, the material is challenging. Yes, the test questions are tricky. Yes, the grades on the essays and tests are tougher than what you would expect in a Regents level class. But there are many ways in which to buoy your grade. Doing well on the Passage Analysis and Writer's Craft papers help, as does acing quizzes and class work. Maximize the smaller assignments and they negate the bigger ones.
2. You'll benefit from the exposure. This one is sort of counter intuitive. I mean, you may be asking yourself: how can I benefit from a harsh grading policy? Wouldn't I do better in English 12? The answer is yes and no, and lies in the fact that, as a college course, or the closest thing you can simulate in a high school environment, you will be exposed to the a greater depth of inquiry than you would in a Regents level class. Your grades might be better, but colleges and universities are pretty savvy when it comes to discerning the differences between "regular" classes and AP or IB classes. The amount of writing you do in AP is much greater, too. So, even though your grades may be 5-10 points lower, you're accumulating experience with the written word, and that can only serve you well this year and next
3. You are here for the material, anyway, not the grade. I know, kind of idealistic, but in most cases there are pounds of truth here. You all won't be English majors, but you all, to a one, will have to read and synthesize complex texts in your varied quests for the undergrad degree. So you might as well train your mind now for the work you'll have to do then. And, really, would you be satisfied just cruising along? My guess is no.
So hang in there. Grades are only small indicators of what you truly get out of any given course. The important benchmark is the one that only you see. Keep reading and writing...
1. AP is not meant to bury you. Now, I know that that's easy for me to say; I'm the one doling out the grades, not anxiously awaiting them (to send out to College A or University B). But you have to remember that the course is set up in such a way so as not to destroy your hopes of getting into Brown or Harvard or Cornell. Yes, the material is challenging. Yes, the test questions are tricky. Yes, the grades on the essays and tests are tougher than what you would expect in a Regents level class. But there are many ways in which to buoy your grade. Doing well on the Passage Analysis and Writer's Craft papers help, as does acing quizzes and class work. Maximize the smaller assignments and they negate the bigger ones.
2. You'll benefit from the exposure. This one is sort of counter intuitive. I mean, you may be asking yourself: how can I benefit from a harsh grading policy? Wouldn't I do better in English 12? The answer is yes and no, and lies in the fact that, as a college course, or the closest thing you can simulate in a high school environment, you will be exposed to the a greater depth of inquiry than you would in a Regents level class. Your grades might be better, but colleges and universities are pretty savvy when it comes to discerning the differences between "regular" classes and AP or IB classes. The amount of writing you do in AP is much greater, too. So, even though your grades may be 5-10 points lower, you're accumulating experience with the written word, and that can only serve you well this year and next
3. You are here for the material, anyway, not the grade. I know, kind of idealistic, but in most cases there are pounds of truth here. You all won't be English majors, but you all, to a one, will have to read and synthesize complex texts in your varied quests for the undergrad degree. So you might as well train your mind now for the work you'll have to do then. And, really, would you be satisfied just cruising along? My guess is no.
So hang in there. Grades are only small indicators of what you truly get out of any given course. The important benchmark is the one that only you see. Keep reading and writing...
posted by Brian Stumbaugh # 6:38 PM 