I was thrilled after reading the article “Testing Plan is Gaining High Ratings Nationwide”. It states that the number of students taking advanced placement classes in high school is increasing. This I think is wonderful because it helps prepare them for the challenge of college. College is a whole different Discourse then high school. Even if they say that high schools are preparation for college, they still do not completely prepare you. By offering more challenging classes students are learning the Discourse of faster and hard classes. College has many components that can not be taught without experience. At least by giving students exposure to harder classes, we are allowing them to experience what it is like having to work hard and independently. The key thing about advance placement classes is the independent work the students are required to do. In high school someone is hanging over your shoulder telling you what needs to be done. In college that is not true. Advance placement classes are more independent and allow students to do things more as they see fit. It is important students learn these good organization and study skills, so when they are sent to college they will not have a complete culture shock.
Another important part of the article had to do with the fact that students who took advance placement courses were doing as well as other highly rated nations on international tests for math and science. The USA has been behind in this area, but with advance placement classes it seems to be catching up. The key to this I think is in normal high school classes students are not being challenged enough. Obviously something is not working there because they are so far behind other nations in math and science. I think high schools need to demand more out there students when it comes to math and science. It needs to be required to take math all through high school. Math and science are huge parts or the global status of our country. They can be applied to so many aspects of the real world. Therefore, I think students should be learning more of each and challenged more in each. Advance placement classes are a great start, but it needs to become a norm instead of a gifted program.
