Post #5-AP Programs

Another possible solution to the growing concern of eduction is to create more academically interested students.  There are different way of stimulating the interest in the student, but none more so than advanced placement programs.  According to the Washington Post, opponents claim that these programs provide a burden and don’t prepare students for education.  In the article, the research of the University of Texas is used to show the collegiate benefits of a more prepared students.  Even scores of two on the AP exams provided students with an edge over the average student.  While another smaller study of 63 schools nation wide claimed no real difference among AP students, providing evidence that the difficulty in AP programs is not enough.  Others also argue that AP programs are too selective, which is key to the success of AP programs.  While the studies that address college preparedness, an important component of AP programs, sparking interest in subjects for the student should be the primary objective of the programs.  To actively involve students in academia, AP programs should be expanded to cover a wider set of subjects that provide early subject exploration.  By providing more classes, students become more involved and are willing to focus more on subjects in college pertaining to their first experience in an AP class.  It can be debated whether or not AP programs are effective, but logically a more rigorous course that requires more study should benefit  the student greater in college.  This also brings up the issue of exclusiveness among the AP programs.  A student should have as much education as they want and when schools shutout students from education opportunities such as AP programs, it gives students less incentive to invest in their future.  Denying education is wrong especially with education classes that provide a more in depth learning experience.  AP programs are key in many issues, but to stimulate interest into the student they are absolutely crucial.

Works Cited:

Mathews, Jay. "Studies Find Benefits to Advanced Placement Courses." Washington Post. The Washington Post, 29 Jan. 2007. Web. 25 Nov. 2014.