Paul Pham
Thompson
AP English III
15 September 2014
Argument Essay
The AP program continues to excel in a myriad amount of ways; although, that doesn’t mean that all AP classes have equitable access. Any type of school program should be made to allow students to expand on education, rather than restrict them from learning what they want, due to ethnic, racial, and socioeconomic groups. Students should be allowed to take any course, even if it may seem “challenging” for time.
It is quite obvious that teachers seem to pay attention to the more “gifted: students, possibly because they are a lot easier to deal with. The other students don’t learn as much as the “gifted students, which makes the courses a lot more challenging. Teachers should be able to teach every student equally so they all can benefit the same amount. It will be the first step for equitable access for everyone.
What is the first thing you’ll notice when walking into an AP class? Most likely you will notice the lack of diversity. Nowadays, AP classes are filled with Asians (Orientals and Indian) and white people. It is possible that counselors don’t let Africans or Hispanics in a lot, because it is too “challenging”. In other words, they don’t think they can pass the class due to their race. On the other hand, it actually might seem challenging due to teachers helping the more “gifted” more. Even the College Board is encouraging equal access.
It is possible that people just don’t want to be put in the AP program. Maybe they aren’t ready or not motivated. Teachers, AP coordinators, and school administrators should be encouraging challenging courses, such as all the AP class. For example, talking to all the students about the different types of AP classes offered in the school that might appeal to them. Same with all the teachers who are teaching AP classes. Teachers should be teaching all students equally, rather than focusing on the more “gifted” students. School administration should...