PRE AP AND AP Math
Suggested Soft Landing Strategies
 Calculate the average on a test and scale up to ensure the average is 80 – 83%. Use the ordered pairs (actual test mean, desired test mean)
and (highest test score, 99) to derive a linear equation to use for scaling. Use the chart on the graphing calculator for easy conversions.
 Use the “Square Root Curve” method of scaling test grades. Take the square root of the test grade (out of 100) and then multiply by 10.
Consider bonus points for students who scored 95-100.
 Allow students to make test corrections after scoring poorly on a test. This work can be turned in for additional points. Consider
restrictions such as requiring students to make these corrections while in a tutoring session. In this setting, the teacher can determine if the
student has mastered the concepts. Consider providing students with a list of the answers and requiring all problems worked to
correctness.
 Provide an optional review assignment to be turned in the day of the test. Points earned on this review can be used to scale the test or as
bonus points on the test grade.
 Offer a re-test to either all the students or just those that do not make a passing grade. Provide a tutoring session prior to this test to
ensure those having trouble will perhaps not make the same mistakes. Require students to complete a review lesson to be eligible for the
retest. Use the “better” test grade or use the grade to assist in scaling the previously failed grade. If the test is limited to those who fail,
consider limiting the score that can be earned on the retest (Example: no higher than a 70 or 75.)
 Give students bonus points for attending tutoring sessions.
 Throw out the lowest quiz or test grade for each 9 weeks. Consider requiring attempting homework or attending tutoring to be eligible.
 Replace the lowest test grade with the nine weeks or semester test grade.
 Offer bonus points for students turning in their homework early, which is possible with the new alternating block schedule. This will also
serve the purpose of having the students do their work sooner rather than waiting until the night before it is due.
 Offer 5%-10% bonus points on the test grade for students who completed every homework assignment on the material being tested.
 Offer 1-2% bonus points on the average grade for students who complete 95% - 100% of their homework in the grading period.
 AP Calculus teachers’ major tests should include both multiple choice and free response AP level questions. The AP level tests should then
be graded on a true AP Exam scale. (ex: 50% = C 60%= B, 70%=A; to scale add 20 points to each test score).
 Using Preparing for the AP Calculus Test workbooks or old sample tests, have students work extra AP free response and/or multiple choice questions on
topics on which they performed poorly to gain bonus points on their test grade.
 Tie bonus credit for reworking problems or working extra problems to one or two exit problems on the same topic. Grade the problems for partial credit
and give the student a corresponding percent of the possible bonus points.
Prepared by:
Mike Kantaris
Mathematics Content Director
A+ College Ready
(205) 257-5245 or mike@aplusala.org
(205) 257-5344 (Cell)
Janelle Porter
Jefferson County Math Lead teacher
Based at Hueytown High School
(205) 379-4150 ext 602 or jporter@jefcoed.com
(205) 910-4506 (Cell)
Peggy S. Harrell
Secondary Mathematics Supervisor
Jefferson County Board of Education
(205) 379-2092 or pharrell@jefcoed.com
(205) 903-1798 (Cell)