A Critical Analysis of the Advanced Placement Program: Nationally and for Three States

• In Event: Studies Investigating Demographic and Other Factors Impacting Assessment Development, Decision Making, Policy, and Practice

Abstract

Despite the imposition of state and federal accountability standards, a persistent gap exists between White and non-White individuals in college readiness, college attendance, and completion. As such, these gaps represent serious threats to the future economic growth of the United States (Obama, 2010; O’Connell, 2006; Ouchi, 1982). In this conceptual analysis, we examined the extent literature regarding (a) college readiness, (b) an overview of the Advanced Placement program, (c) a description of efforts that states have undertaken to improve access to college level courses, and (d) a theoretical framework. For the 2014 AERA Conference Theme of “The Power of Education Research for Innovation in Practice and Policy” to be met, a critical examination of these topics is essential.

Authors

• Bevan Koch, Sewickley Academy

• John R. Slate, Sam Houston State University

• George W. Moore, Sam Houston State University