School’s almost over, which means it’s AP exam season. Whether it’s AP Calculus, Biology, Psychology, English, Art, or one of the many other programs our school offers, AP students have been preparing for these hefty two weeks.
About one-third of our school campus has been studying for the AP exams, but a larger fraction of teachers have been preparing these growing minds for their next step towards their future careers.
If there’s one thing to appreciate about this year, it’s the effort and deliberate diligence these teachers have displayed from August to today that really shows how much this school cares about every student’s success. AP teachers have achieved several milestones over the past 9 months, but they have a broader goal throughout the year that keeps them motivated to teach.
AP (Advanced Placement) courses are a major aspect of the curriculum at San Dimas High School. Despite being very rigorous, AP classes and exams are incredibly beneficial because they can open up opportunities for students in college and even later in life. AP courses offer college credit, depending on the school, if the student earns a 3 (passing) or higher on the exam (5 is the highest attainable score). AP courses also immerse students in college-level material from freshman to senior year, simulating the material as if it were being taught in a university setting. AP classes are great for anyone looking to boost their GPA, get into a prestigious university, or even eliminate a required college course.
From the English Department, Ms. Ruiz has a lot to say about her students’ successes. She hopes for each kid to pass the AP Lit exam, but she also emphasizes that scores aren’t everything. She says how her students are constantly preoccupied with their AP Exam scores that they forget to see the bigger picture: the importance of learning. “Even if your score isn’t what you wanted it to be, what matters the most is the learning that happened,” says Ms. Ruiz. “Even when you go to college, you’re still gonna [sic] be more successful because of the work you put in [AP Lit].” AP Exams are undoubtedly one of the biggest sources of stress for students here at SDHS. Still, it’s important to realize that no matter the score, the content and knowledge gained can also help develop a work ethic and stronger critical-thinking skills.
From the History Department, Mr. Feola helps his students achieve a shared goal. His main goal is to ensure that every student learns US History and passes the AP Exam. The APUSH exam is widely regarded as difficult due to the range of skills and content knowledge students must possess. Still, Mr. Feola observes that many of his students “came out of the test pretty confident.” He has enjoyed his year so far, and he cannot stress enough how joyful he is while teaching. “I’m proud of [the students], and I really enjoyed this school year with them,” Mr. Feola says.
AP Teachers have undoubtedly put in a lot of effort to help students succeed. Despite the rigor students face in these courses, the planning teachers engage in is critical.
