<p>Wow...our school not only weights AP classes 1.3, but also weights pre-AP classes 1.15. It is caluclated into the GPA and the class rank standings. I really wish they didn't do that. While we have many students that take upwards of ten AP classes between their junior and senior years, we have on average 3-4 AP scholars. I question what kind of preparation they receive.</p>
<p>While our school does have open enrollment for AP classes, I find that more times than not this is an abuse to inflate the rank up to top 10% in order to secure an auto admit to UT or A & M. There are students that do not want the extra rigor, just the grade inflation, and unfortnately there are teachers willing to go along with this game. The amount of extra credit given to students with low AP Government grades this last term was ridiculous. My son reported that students who had been making below C on the practice AP exams which are part of your grade, still made low As for the term. There is absolutely no correlation between the grades received and the success on the AP exam. Last year this teacher had 2 5s, a handful of 4s and mostly 1s and 2s. So theoretically she should have given 2 As, a handful of Bs and the rest C or fail.</p>
<p>More examples: over 300 students take AP U.S. History, only 68 took the exam, and while the "pass" rate was up slightly over the past 10% figure, there were only 3 "5s". Over 60 students enrolled in AP Psychology, 4 took the test, all of them received 1s.</p>
<p>What really helped my sons with their AP exams was independent study and debate. They learned more about writing and constructing arguments, using supporting research etc...from participating in speech and debate events. Maybe they should also look at how many students in that "pass" group bought study guides and studied independently, participated in extra curriculars such as music, writing, academic team, chess, debate etc....?</p>