Warns against the declining standards of the Advanced Placement (AP) U.S. history examination and the AP program. Focuses on the problems that occur in maintaining high standards and the practive of teaching to the test in AP courses. Discusses who does grade and who should grade the AP examinations. (CMK)

Futurists, policy makers, and other stakeholders propose sweeping reforms of the American education system. However, there is little evidence that the current add-on, underfunded system will reverse the failure pattern among children of color and those living in poverty. This article presents a dramatic and feasible proposal to establish a…

Discusses the rationale and validity for talent searches, with special emphasis on the Duke University Talent Identification Program (TIP). Describes the Precollege and Summer Educational Programs and notes typical results. Discusses the by-mail program and the efforts by TIP to serve as a resource to schools as they develop their own programs.…

Though the world of schooling may be in trouble, the world of art is booming, and though few of the benefits have yet percolated through the schoolhouse walls, there are hopeful signs and, indeed, several genuine innovations, such as Advanced Placement and CEMREL's Aesthetic Education Program. (Author/SJL)

This article favors providing both gifted and advanced placement programs for students. Three components of a unique gifted program are identified: (1) interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary courses; (2) character development; and (3) independent study. Advanced placement program objectives can be added to gifted programs but should not replace…

Expresses a high school student's frustration at trying to learn programing through courses in BASIC and PASCAL and her renewed enthusiasm studying programing with Scheme. Changes in the elementary, secondary, and advanced placement computer science curriculum are encouraged, and information for obtaining Scheme software is provided. (MES)

A teacher of an advanced placement English class of over-stressed, over-busy, and rebellious gifted seniors describes how she used Kafka's "Metamorphosis" to help them adjust to this transitional period in their lives while keeping all reading and assignments within the class period. (DB)

Reflects on the experience of being in an Advanced Placement (AP) U.S. history course in high school. Stresses that the intent of the course was only to prepare students to score well on the AP examination. Asserts that the course should have aimed beyond teaching to the test. (CMK)

Responds to claims that teachers are inadequately prepared to teach advanced placement courses in U.S. government and politics. Contends that political scientists can assist secondary teachers by offering summer workshops. Defends the curriculum as an accurate reflection of a college-level course in introductory politics. (NL)

It is suggested that many high schools do not fully utilize the intellectual talents of their students as an educational resource. By serving as teaching interns or assistants under extremely close supervision, it is thought high school students can contribute significantly to the quality of the school's curriculum. (Author/MLW)

Discusses the limitations of the Bradley Commission on History in Schools report. Critiques the History Advanced Placement Examination, and outlines suggestions for its improvement. Presents the Aspen High School, Colorado, solution to the inadequacy of a one-year U.S. history curriculum and the lack of a global view. Examines the role of history…

Discusses the proposed Advanced Placement (AP) world history curriculum. Argues against beginning the course at 1000 CE, stating that it should begin at the Axial Age (approximately 800 to 200 BCE) or earlier. Offers suggestions for constructing the proposed "Foundations" course introduction around six one-week units. (CMK)

College and high school teacher partnerships will improve both the quality of instruction in the schools and the abilities and morale of teachers. The College Board Advanced Placement Program is seen as one way to bridge the gap between teaching scholars in schools and colleges. (MLW)

Presents five examples of the use of satellite technology in distance learning, including providing previously unavailable classes, interacting with teachers, and transmitting tests and returning graded work; partnerships between schools and community-based organizations; middle school and high school interaction; advanced placement classes; and…

Criticism has been made of continuing to increase expenditures of funds to assist the economically disadvantaged and the handicapped. Past decades have seen discrimination against "gifted" children due to a fear of creating an "elite." Recent federal funding has begun to create special programs for gifted children. (JN)