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<p>The problem is, at non-elite high schools, the downward pressure is likely much greater than the upward pressure on curriculum quality, in the absence of external motivating factors like AP labeling. The result is that AP courses tend to be the most rigorous and advanced courses at non-elite high schools, and tend to be a motivating factor for non-elite high schools to upgrade the curriculum quality in the subject (or even offer the subject in the first place). Yes, it is “mission creep” for AP, not desirable in itself, but not surprising given the state of non-elite high schools.</p>