Wednesday, August 21, 2002
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Wednesday, August 21, 2002 |
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AP math classes get perfect score
Advanced placement (AP) statistics and calculus students at McIntosh High School have pulled off an amazing feat, both classes scored a perfect 100 percent on their end-of-year exams. "This is really remarkable. I've never heard of this happening in any AP subject," says Joy Pace, AP statistics teacher at McIntosh. The school just received the students' score reports over the summer and were amazed at the results. Between the two classes, 10th, 11th and 12th graders took approximately 100 individual tests. AP tests, which are administered by the College Board, are given to students across the nation at the same time every May. Although students are regularly tested on chapter material at the school level, only one official test is given, which encompasses everything taught throughout the year, and that exam determines whether or not the student passes the course. Each student's test is judged against others in the nation and then rated with a score accordingly. Only about 65 percent of students in the nation pass. Besides scoring a 100 percent in two AP math classes, McIntosh teachers and students have another reason to be proud of their accomplishment. The 2001-2002 school year marked the first time in Fayette that sophomores were allowed to take AP statistics. This change was a direct result of the county's new math textbook adoption. Pace admits that she was worried at first, concerned that statistics might be overwhelming to the students due to the amount of work involved. "Our students really rose to the occasion and I am so proud of them," said Pace. "I think this also says so much about our math program in Fayette. Students build up their math skills from elementary school. Math is presented to them in a way that makes it interesting and it shows. Our students really like math, they can't wait to get to the next level." Pace said it takes both great students and teachers working together to make this sort of accomplishment possible. Pace said she credits both the students and her fellow AP teachers Jan Esterbrook (statistics), Mary Sitler (calculus) and Doug Austin (calculus) for the class' scores. Passing students can either use their AP classes toward college credit or exempt classes in order to move into higher-level college courses depending on the university or college. Pace says she has known students who have started college at the sophomore level due to credit received for AP coursework in high school. Students apply in the spring to take AP level courses. Students are accepted into the program based on their Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) score, grade point average and teacher recommendations.
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