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Research concerning Advanced Placement (AP) courses has centered on the characteristics of AP instructors, methods for teaching AP courses, and the value of students taking these courses. Almost no research has been conducted on the effects of the implementation of an equity policy on AP instructors. The researcher found that the implementation of an equity policy has affected all the instructors; however, those teaching language arts and social studies courses were more affected than those teaching science and math courses. Most changes occurred concerning instructor attitudes, workloads, student performance, and instructional practices, whereas very few changes were noted concerning curriculum coverage. The study found that the implementation of an equity policy in AP courses will affect instructors, but that these effects will vary based on academic discipline. Overall, the research suggests that AP Equity is something that all teaching AP courses should strive to accomplish.
About the author
Chris Godat has been teaching English for the last 11 years. He earned his BA in English and History from Loyola University in New Orleans, his MA from the University of Missouri-Columbia, and his PhD from Capella University. He currently leaves in Griffin, GA with his wife, and five children.
