Shortchanged: How Advanced Placement Cheats Students

The Washington Post states that the book "Shortchanged" is a brilliant book that reveals how the College Board's emphasis on standardized testing has led the AP program astray. Annie Abrams argues that the program's commitment to standardized testing no longer reflects its original promise of delivering meaningful college-level curriculum to high school students. She advocates for broader access to the liberal arts through robust public funding of secondary and higher education and a dismantling of the standardized testing regime.

Format: Hardback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 20 June 2023
Publisher: Johns Hopkins University Press

Shortchanged is a thought-provoking book that delves into the issues surrounding the Advanced Placement (AP) program. Authored by Annie Abrams, an English teacher and education scholar, the book sheds light on how the College Board's emphasis on standardized testing has led the AP program astray. Every year, millions of students take AP exams with the hope of earning college credit and saving on their tuition expenses. However, the question arises: Are these students truly receiving a comprehensive college education? The College Board claims that AP classes and exams promote accessibility and represent a step forward for educational justice. However, Abrams argues that the program's commitment to standardized testing no longer aligns with its original mission of delivering meaningful college-level curriculum to high school students.

In her book, Abrams explores the historical and pedagogical roots of the AP program, which was established in the 1950s with the intention of aligning liberal arts education across high schools and colleges. By examining the intentions of the program's founders, Abrams questions the unintended consequences of deviating from this vision. The AP program is the College Board's largest source of revenue, yet its financial success masks the principles it has abandoned.

Rather than advocating for a complete restoration of the program, Shortchanged takes a more nuanced approach. Abrams advocates for broader access to the liberal arts by increasing public funding for secondary and higher education. She also calls for the dismantling of the standardized testing regime, which she believes hinders students' ability to demonstrate their knowledge and skills.

Through her book, Shortchanged offers a better way to provide high school students with a quality liberal arts education while equipping them with the necessary skills for college. Abrams highlights the importance of a well-rounded education that encompasses critical thinking, creativity, and a deep understanding of the world. She believes that by offering a more comprehensive program, students can better prepare for the challenges they will face in higher education and beyond.

In conclusion, Shortchanged is a must-read for anyone interested in education and the future of higher education. Abrams' insightful analysis and compelling arguments provide valuable insights into the challenges facing the AP program and offer practical solutions for improving the quality of education for all students.

Weight: 454g
Dimension: 229 x 152 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781421446295