Several students have been working hard to prepare for the upcoming AP exams. Note-taking, memorizing, and countless other methods hoping to excel and pass. And, while we know how students feel about the tests, what about the teachers?  How do they prepare for the exams and what efforts are taken to ensure that students are successful? Mr. Loux, the AP Human Geography teacher here at Argo, has a few thoughts to share on the topic.  

The following conversation has been edited and condensed for clarity.  

How are you preparing your students for AP testing? 

We have been doing FRQ’s every day for the past couple of weeks, as well as Albert.io, which is an online software system that reviews all the units from the entire school year. Students are writing and grading their FRQ’s every day in class which has proved useful time and time again.  

What are good study methods to use? 

Reviewing all of the content throughout the school year, going back through notes, and annotations in the textbook as well as the platforms that we have available here at Argo are very helpful.   

How do you expect your students to do on the test this year?  

I think that we will have a wide range of scores. We are very welcoming to all ability levels in the AP program here at Argo. I have high hopes for a lot of students, and I think that there is going to be value even in the students that don’t score a 3, 4, or 5. 

What are your feelings on the College Board and how they give their exams? 

I think we know that the College Board has some bias in the exam. Right now, it’s sort of the gold standard and there’s no alternative. So, while I do think there are some issues, it is probably the best thing that we can do to prepare our students for college.  

Do you think it is manageable for students to get a 3, 4, or 5 on the test? 

I think that we provide all of the support that we can to help students try to get there, but not all students are going to, especially at the 9th grade level. It is something that can be built on in future AP classes. I think we lay the foundation for a basis on AP classes even if they do not score a 3, 4, or 5 this time around. The experience of taking the test helps students do well in future AP classes because they will know what to expect.  

Do you think AP classes are more suited for a certain type of person? 

I think anyone who wants the challenge of putting in extra work and striving for some common goal with their classmates. Obviously, we are looking for high achieving students but it doesn’t have to be the smartest, it has to be kids who are willing to put in the effort and hard work.  

Any final thoughts?  

We’re finally nearing the tests, so good luck to all the AP test takers!