By: Devon Wible

Every year, over 1.8 million students take 3.2 million AP exams, seeking to challenge themselves academically, to better prepare for the curriculum they will encounter in college, and to possibly earn college credit or improved placement. Although these tests provide great opportunities, many students and teachers have complained that the exams require too much memorization, instead of focusing on a deep conceptual understanding of the content. To address these concerns, the College Board – the company that creates the AP tests and the SAT – plans to redesign its AP courses and exams to “focus on promoting a rigorous curriculum that aligns with best practices in teaching and learning.”

The changes will not only focus on test design, but also on classroom instruction. As part of the revision, the College Board will create a detailed set of learning objectives for each course, and will update the exam to reflect these changes. This ideological shift requires students to demonstrate a much deeper conceptual understanding of the content, instead of focusing on memorizing mundane names, dates, and facts. This also means that many content-heavy subjects – like Biology and US History – must pare back the amount of material covered. Fortunately, teachers can now put more emphasis on critical thinking skills, a much-coveted goal when preparing high school scholars for college. High school educators and college professors alike are excited for these changes because, if done well, the curriculum will more effectively provide students with the tools and skills necessary to excel in college.

The changes mentioned above will be progressively phased in, beginning in the 2011-2012 school year with AP French, AP German, and AP World History. On queue for the 2012-2013 school year are AP Biology, AP Latin, and AP Spanish Literature and Culture. And, finally, in the 2013-2013 school year, AP US History will follow. To learn more about these changes and the timeline for subsequent change as well as read course descriptions and frameworks, visit the College Board website:

http://advancesinap.collegeboard.org/overview

Starting today, we’ll be posting a test question every day on our Facebook wall for a little extra practice as you prep for the SAT, ACT or PSAT. “Like” the Kaplan SAT & ACT Prep Facebook page to get the Question of the Day in your News Feed!

Since junior high, I’ve participated in numerous extracurricular activities in hopes of discovering a career that I could be passionate about. Although I know what I love, which is music and that I’m a pretty engaged writer, I never thought of myself using either in pursuit of a career. Most of the activities I participated in were not related to academics. I tried karate for about a month, choir, which I really loved, cooking, origami, dance, film production and a short stint with the school track team. Although my school doesn’t offer many activities that draw my interest, high school can be a great opportunity for career exploration based on the clubs and teams you join.  After school activities can lead to passionate interests.  I’ve fluctuated between interests and I can’t see myself using most of the activities I’ve participated in for future success.  Now, I think I have it…sort of.

About 2 years ago, I began to take a serious interest in journalism. Taking U.S. History was the catalyst for my interest and because of it, my view of the world was greatly widened.  When I learned about the “Muckrakers” of ‘50s America, I was more inclined to expose little known facts. I dreamed of being the best journalist I could be, delivering honest, factual and unbiased news. Unfortunately, as I witnessed all the bad events in the world and the decline of journalistic interest, I realized that I could pair my writing talent and ability to appreciate music to shine some light on the world.

I’ve used singing and listening to music as an escape since I was very small.  I often listen to music in the dark to identify sounds and effects that go unnoticed with the distraction of music videos, people and other noises. Music has become a home for me that I’d love to invite other people into.  When I realized that becoming a musical correspondent was financially sound, I found a career that would be just right for me as an audiologist. I’d be able to help the deaf and hearing impaired as well as their families.

As I write this, I’m thinking about how badly I want my future to be bright and promising. I want to be able to do what I love and make it impact people positively. As I will spend my senior year learning sign language, a key medium for communication with patients, I encourage you to search deeply into what your life’s passion may be.  No GPS can help you travel to the right career path, so really think about what you love to do, but be realistic and know that just about any interest you have can be related in some way to a field of study.  What you know fascinates you and keeps you moving everyday can be transformed into a fulfilling career that can help you make the difference in this world.

Happy searching!