NEW YORK (CLARKSVILLENOW) – With an overwhelming majority of students out of school due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, The College Board’s AP Program has announced a new, at-home testing option for Advanced Placement (AP) students.
AP classes offer high school students a chance to earn college credit through an advanced class. A student who earns a 3 or higher (out of 5) on their end-of-the-year AP Exam will receive their college credits. The College Board offers 38 AP classes across seven subjects.
The announcement follows news that standardized testing requirements will be waved this year both on the federal and state levels, including TCAP and TNReady. The College Board surveyed 18,000 students, with 91% indicating a desire to complete their final AP requirements.
In order to allow students to earn their college credits while maintaining CDC guidelines, students may take a 45-minute online exam at home for this school year only. Educator-led development committees are currently selecting exam questions that will on the tests.
The College Board will allow local institutions to decide the best means for students to complete coursework. Recognizing that many students have lost valuable instruction time, this years exams will only include topics that most classes would have covered by early March.
CMCSS responded to the news via their Facebook page on Monday, March 23.
“Though the format will be non-traditional, CMCSS believes that our students are better prepared than most to demonstrate their mastery through digital ways. We are committed to supporting our Advanced Placement students in preparation for the upcoming AP exams, and your school will be in touch during the coming weeks. In the meantime, students can visit apcentral.collegeboard.org to continue working through review resources for their specific test,” said the post.
For a list of AP Courses and what will be covered in the 2019-20 AP Exams, click here.
Recognizing that some students might prefer to take their exams while information is fresh in their minds while others might prefer to study, the AP Program will offer two exam dates. Those dates, as well as specific question types and testing details will be made available on April 3.
Students will be able to access the test from most devices, including computers, tablets and smartphones. Students may also send in a photo of handwritten work.
The AP Program recognized that many low-income and rural students may lack the digital access needed to participate and have promised to work with their partners in providing the tools and connectivity necessary for equal access.
U.S. Colleges have expressed support for this year’s take-home option, having accepted shortened AP Exams during past emergencies.
The College Board has stressed the importance of test security, and will use a variety of digital tools to prevent plagiarism and cheating.
They also have begun offering free, mobile-friendly live AP review courses. These on-demand class sessions will focus on reveiwing the first 75% of AP course materials, with supplemental lessons covering the final 25%.
A one page overview has also been made available to to AP teachers, providing information on free, daily online practice using AP Classroom.