Please accept my appreciation for the input provided (students and parents) relevant to the timing and notification of the change to our final exam exemption protocol for students enrolled in AP courses (especially seniors!). Based on your input, there will be no impact on the class of 2015 (as outlined below).
The origin of the updated exemption protocol can be located in a sample of statements.
- Consistent standards should be applied to our underclassmen and seniors.
- As college level curricula (like dual-enrollment) AP course expectations should include a requirement for summative assessment for all students.
Our former protocol was developed in the early 1990s, when our school was most likely one of the only in the region vigorously pursuing AP and dual-enrollment. When we look to our partners in the region now (including another prominent Governor’s School in Virginia) we find our approach in need of an update.
See prior year and updated protocols below.
Underclassmen
| Prior Years | 2014-2015 and Beyond | |
| Class | Fresh, Soph, Jr. | Fresh, Soph, Jr. |
| 2nd Semester Grade | A | B |
| AP Exam Taken | Y/N | Y/N |
| Cumulative Grade | B | B |
| Final Exam Exemption | Y/N | Y/N |
For underclassmen, beginning this school year (2014-2015) final exam exemption remains contingent on sitting for the AP exam; however, the 2nd semester grade requirement is “B” rather than “A”.
Seniors
| Prior Years | 2015-2016 and Beyond | |
| Class | Senior | Senior |
| 2nd Semester Grade | B | B |
| AP Exam Taken | Y/N | Y/N |
| Cumulative Grade | B | B |
| Final Exam Exemption | Y | Y/N |
For the class of 2016 and beyond, the final exam exemption becomes contingent on sitting for the AP Exam in addition to the existing grade requirements (i.e., in prior years students could opt out of the AP AND exempt from the final). Put another way, sit for the AP exam and with a B in the class the student can exempt from the final; alternatively, choose not to sit for the AP exam and take the final.
The integrity of our protocol is strengthened in ways including:
- making the exemption standards for underclassmen and seniors consistent.
- making the expectation for summative assessment for college level work (i.e., AP and Dual-enrollment) consistent.
As always, assistance is available to any student/family who may find themselves in need courtesy of our Foundation.
Please accept my apology for the sub-standard timing and notification associated with the original effort to disseminate this information in September 2014.
