A case is presented for adjusting the scores for free response items in the Advanced Placement (AP) tests. Using information about the rating process from the reliability studies, administrations of the AP test for three subject areas, psychology, computer science, and English language and composition, are analyzed. In the reliability studies, 299…

The comments of a student new to Advanced Placement courses convinced a teacher of Advanced Placement English that opening up her class to all students was not enough--the teacher had to learn how to teach an untracked English class. Three basic strategies for teaching the class took shape: the teacher spent a great deal of time modeling tasks;…

Two nontraditional markets for increased college/university enrollments are discussed, potential students age 50 and over and high school students enrolled for dual credit in advance placement classes. Two telephone surveys were conducted, one to county residents aged 50 and over, regarding their educational needs and interests, and the other to…

Relationships between student attitudes toward Edward Keller plan psychology courses and student ratings of specific teacher behaviors and class characteristics were investigated in a study of 563 senior high school students enrolled in Keller plan courses. Practical course value and teacher enthusiasm were positively related to the students'…

Describes the role played by high school Advanced Placement (AP) programs in determining decisions regarding college admissions. A student's prospects for admissions are considerably enhanced by enrollment in A.P. courses. Specific scores, the caliber of the secondary school and of the A.P. courses, and the student's curriculum are also…

The effectiveness of an interdisciplinary approach was evaluated in a suburban high school social studies class that integrated the county's prescribed social studies and English curricula for honors and advanced placement. Focal points for the two teachers were cohesiveness, cooperation, conducive environment, and concept improvement. The class…

This study reports that student performance on the PSAT/NMSQT can be useful in identifying additional students who may be successful in Advanced Placement Program (AP) courses. PSAT/NMSQT scores can identify students who may not have been initially considered for an AP course through teacher nomination, self-nomination, or other local procedures.…

It is suggested that many high schools do not fully utilize the intellectual talents of their students as an educational resource. By serving as teaching interns or assistants under extremely close supervision, it is thought high school students can contribute significantly to the quality of the school's curriculum. (Author/MLW)

A former reader-evaluator of essays for "Advanced Placement Examination in English" explains why he cannot with good conscience continue as "part of a process which tells these students they are (to different degrees) 'qualified."' (RL)

Examined advanced mathematics achievement among high school students using data from the Third International Mathematics and Science Study. Examination of school- and student-level factors indicated that gender and economic disparities existed, even with the most advanced students. This disparity varied by school. Parent education related to…

Explores how the focus on class rank has affected students from star public high schools, creating a disadvantage when students try to enter elite colleges. Explains a new approach, "winner-take-all," being utilized in high schools in which schools focus on the top students. Includes references. (CMK)

This document presents a chart titled "Selected Federal Education Programs That Can Help Middle and High School Students Get an Excellent Education." It divides into five columns: (1) "No Child Left Behind" Programs (and Other Reauthorizations); (2) FY 2006 Final Appropriation; (3) FY 2007 Bush Budget; (4) FY 2007 House…

This study assessed the ability of high school advanced placement history students to choose the essay topic on which they can get the highest score. A second, equally important, question was whether the score on the chosen topic was more highly related to other indicators of proficiency in history than the score on the unchosen topic. Overall,…

The use of four periods in the school day, as opposed to six, with each period 90 minutes in length is referred to as 4 X 4 block scheduling. In Virginia, as in many states, there is increasing interest in this kind of scheduling to deliver education that meets the instructional needs of students. In 1995-96, Western Branch High School (WBHS) of…

A 1984 update of the College Board's Advanced Placement (AP) Program is presented. Graphs and narrative descriptions cover: number of students taking AP examinations by subject areas, 1974, 1979, 1983, 1984; trends in numbers of schools giving AP Examinations (exams) for the last 25 years (at 5-year intervals), including the number of exams,…