Low grades on tough tests aren’t a waste of time,
but a powerful incentive
https://www.washingtonpost.com/education/2024/02/11/ap-tests-low-score-benefits/
Jay Mathews:
AP exams, along with IB and Cambridge exams, are a deeper and more accurate reflection of a student’s level of achievement than other large examination systems used in public schools. Not only are the exams immune to teacher favoritism, but they include essay questions that big state exams can’t handle.
“For years, we’ve heard from AP teachers that just completing an AP course — studying hard, preparing for the exam, following through — can change the way students see themselves and raise their ambitions for college,” said Trevor Packer, executive director of the AP program…
Kind teachers have long tried to encourage struggling students by giving them grades better than they deserved. That approach avoids bad feelings. But many of us who have had to deal with a disappointing grade know the result is often that we try harder, and thus learn more.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/education/2024/02/11/ap-tests-low-score-benefits/
Jay Mathews:
AP exams, along with IB and Cambridge exams, are a deeper and more accurate reflection of a student’s level of achievement than other large examination systems used in public schools. Not only are the exams immune to teacher favoritism, but they include essay questions that big state exams can’t handle.
“For years, we’ve heard from AP teachers that just completing an AP course — studying hard, preparing for the exam, following through — can change the way students see themselves and raise their ambitions for college,” said Trevor Packer, executive director of the AP program…
Kind teachers have long tried to encourage struggling students by giving them grades better than they deserved. That approach avoids bad feelings. But many of us who have had to deal with a disappointing grade know the result is often that we try harder, and thus learn more.