u/Kindly-Chemistry5149

Hey all,

A little about me. I have taught AP Chemistry for a few years and have struggled teaching AP at times and getting kids to pass.

I just wanted to put some reminders out about AP scores. Some people stress about them but keep in mind the following:

• It takes several years to become a good teacher. It takes several years of teaching an AP class to get good at teaching an AP class. You need time to try things out and change things based on your students. So if it is your first year or even second year teaching an AP class, don't worry so much. Try and improve.
• Student population matters a ton. There are some teachers that boast about getting so many 4's and 5's but they teach in an affluent district where kids really care about performing well and can afford 1 on 1 tutors.
• Variance occurs from year to year. I have had years where not a lot of students take the test and I have had years where I only have a few kids pass and I can usually identify that pretty early in the year. Don't fret so much about the students that chose to take your class, raise the standards of your class.
• AP Classes are more than just getting that 3, 4 or 5 on an exam. You are providing a rigorous class to students that is beholden to a CED, , for better or for worse. Often AP can be more difficult than community college classes. Students who take the class come out the other side way more prepared for difficult classes than students who even take community college classes.

So hopefully you are teaching the class next year and you are allowing your self to change a few things, whether that be the content itself or even class expectations.