The benefits of taking AP classes are apparent: challenging coursework, rigorous curriculum, and the opportunity to earn college credit and prepare for secondary education in general. And our administration hasn’t exactly been gentle when cramming the glory of AP down our throats at every waking moment.
However, when AP courses interfere with a student’s schedule and extracurricular activities, the negative aspects arise. This could not be better exemplified than with the issue that is occurring in the Kennedy journalism department presently.
A number of our staffers have been forced to choose between taking an AP class or taking third hour Newspaper; many of these classes are not offered at any other time of the day, and it is not practical for students to take these challenging classes as independent study credits. Also, we have had students who have decided to pursue AP success over their responsibilities with the newspaper, opting out of being in the Torch class. While students can still fulfill photography and writing assignments and not be enrolled in the class, our paper suffers without the vital communication time that comes with being in third hour every day. It’s very difficult to assign content and keep an award-winning high school newspaper great when we don’t get the opportunity to work with our talented staffers on a daily basis.
Has the splendor of taking AP credits become such a priority that students have sacrificed their participation in the fantastic educational experience that is student journalism? No, students don’t get a 5.0 GPA or college credit when they’re on the newspaper staff, but journalism is a phenomenal exercise in responsibility and teamwork, creating better writers, photographers, and leaders (not to mention that it also looks great on college and scholarship applications). It’s truly a shame to see gifted student journalists unable to participate in the publication process just to get that one extra GPA point.
The Torch editorial board encourages the administration to ease up on the harsh AP emphasis. Yes, AP classes have some benefits, but when students feel like they have to quit other activities to achieve AP success, there’s a problem. Let’s encourage students to be well-rounded individuals who pursue leadership and take responsibility; AP isn’t always the way.
TORCH STAFF
