Teachers question effectiveness of AP classes

April 29, 2009
Evan Haning
wtop.com

WASHINGTON - The boom in Advanced Placement classes would seem to be the opposite of "dumbing down" the schoolroom, but some educators say it's not always a smart move.

The Thomas B. Fordham Institute, an educational think tank, asked more than a 1,000 public school teachers what impact rapid growth has had on AP courses. Fewer than 33 percent believed students were enrolling for academic challenges.

"They believe it'll help them get into college," says Michael Petrilli, vice president for national programs and policy at the Institute.

While all AP courses are harder than standard high school instruction, some -- such as AP Psychology -- are easier to pass.

"We don't see that many more students signing up for the tough AP Physics or AP Calculus classes," Petrilli says.

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