Using the documents, analyze Briar Wood’s attitudes towards the Pre-AP World History class
Document #1 Mike, 9th grade Pre AP student, May of his freshmen year (athlete)
Pre-AP World History wasn’t extremely hard, but it was a lot of work. So much work in fact, that I do not plan to
take AP World History next year. The Stearns’ homework assignments took me forever to complete. I play sports
and don’t have the time or energy at the end of the day to do 2 hours worth of homework for one class. I wish I had
taken Academic World History instead.
Document #2 Justin, 12th grade student about to graduate (Band/athlete)
After looking back on it, AP World History was by far the hardest social science class I had to take. I’m really
happy I sucked it up and took Pre-AP World History. The workload was a lot for me to handle as a freshman, but it
helped me out so much. I gain the skill I needed to get an A in AP World History. I learned to read at a higher
level, critically think, analyze questions, and organize essays. Basically, I went into my AP World History class
with a good understanding as to what I should expect.
Document #3 Parent of a current Pre-AP World History teacher
I wanted Billy to take Pre-AP World History so he could get the .5 bump on his GPA. Also, if he did not take it,
colleges would consider him a lazy student. I am certain Billy will get into THE University of Virginia because he
got an A in his Pre-AP World History class.
Document #4 Ms. D, current Pre-AP World History teacher
I enjoy teaching Pre-AP World History, but it isn’t for everyone. The class definitely has its pros and cons. It’s a
good baby-step into the AP World History class next year. Aside from learning the content, the class gives students
an opportunity to think at a higher level; they use critical thinking skill, are forced to analyze questions and break
them down, take the content and apply it in various ways, and read at a level they have not done before. However,
unless the student plans to take AP World History it is better to just stick with the academic class. The amount of
homework the students are asked to do is ridiculous. Also, the Stearns book is way too difficult for freshmen in high
school to read. I question if freshmen in college could read it and completely understand it. In the academic class,
you learn the same exact content as the Pre-AP students. If you are up for the challenge, it is definitely a useful
class, but if you’re not willing to put in the work (and understandably so), take the academic class.
Document #5 Jim, 9th grade Pre-AP student, December of his freshmen year (History club)
I love my Pre-AP World History class. The content is so fun. Most kids think it’s really hard, and it is, but at least
it’s cool stuff. The Spartans were awesome!
Document #6 Email from a parent to Ms. D (October)
Ms. Dabbenigno,
I’m having a difficult time helping Katie with her Stearns homework. She is usually an A+ student, but this class
has her all worked up. I appreciate the homework load, it makes for good work habits, and I appreciate the no late
policy, it teaches them how the real world functions, but I just don’t understand why the Stearns book was issued to
freshmen students. The In-Depth sections are difficult. Do you have any suggestions on how Katie should go about
completing them?
Thanks,
Katie’s Mom
Document #7 2012 Freshmen World History SOL Results
WH I- 93.36% pass rate, 29.86% advanced, and 11 perfect scores
Academic Pass Rate: 75%, 1 perfect
Pre AP Pass Rate: 97%, 10 perfect
Document #8 Tim, current college student
Now that I’m in college, I can say that my AP classes were so much harder than my college courses. Why did I waste my time
busting my butt, staying up until 2 am every night doing my homework for all my AP classes when I could have taken the 100
level class in college and studied only for my midterm and final. College classes don’t give homework. The amount of work I
put into my Pre-AP World History class and my other AP Biology, English, Statistics, and Government classes was stupid. But
my parents insisted it was the ONLY way I was going to get into college.