Some advanced classes facing high drop rates

Advanced course drops have increased this school year, raising concern among a number of teachers. 

Within AP Seminar's first year of being offered, over 30 students have dropped the course since the beginning of the year. Because these courses have stricter teaching curriculums and do not offer score replacements, they have a greater impact on a student's GPA. 

“I think students are dropping because of concerns about GPA, increased course load compared to regular classes, and self-doubt,” said AP Seminar teacher Michael Theofelis. 

The issue is primarily seen in a few classrooms, with most courses not experiencing as many drops. For instance, 11th grade English AP Language and Composition lost a total of approximately nine students across two classrooms, with four students returning. What sets this apart from AP Seminar is that teachers offer assignment makeups, where students may be more likely to remain in these courses while preserving their GPA. 

Although the implementation of the new 70/30 split grading system where tests weigh 70% and assignments make up 30% of a student's grade can be related to these course drops. AP Chemistry and College Chemistry teacher Darren Beene already had a grading system where tests had always been the largest proportion of grades. Beene only lost a total of nine students in AP Chemistry and two students in College Chemistry. 

In a survey that eight AP teachers responded to, three agreed that the implementation of a weighted GPA might address these course drops while two suggested explaining the course contents prior to signing up can reduce drops. 

“I feel like many students are used to chasing participation points and extra credit to pad grades,” AP French teacher Kyle Wetherald said. “As the school moves away from that and focuses on learning standards, students will need to adjust to the work it takes to get the grade they want.” 

Students continuing to drop advanced classes puts courses at greater risk of being removed from course offerings. 

“No advanced courses would make me sad,” Beene said. “College Chemistry is vital for AP classes.”