DeSantis, the College Board, and the Great AP Class Wars: A Tale of Two Millionaires (and a Whole Lot of High School Drama)
Let’s face it, folks, high school is a minefield of awkward moments, bad haircuts, and the ever-present dread of standardized tests. But lately, the drama has spilled over into the political arena, and it’s all thanks to our favorite Florida governor, Ron DeSantis, and his ongoing feud with the College Board.
Now, you might be thinking, “Wait, isn’t this just another case of politicians meddling in education?” And you’d be right. But this particular saga is more entertaining than a reality TV show, complete with accusations of “indoctrination,” a millionaire governor wielding his power, and the College Board, the gatekeepers of standardized testing, standing their ground.
So, what’s the big deal?
DeSantis, who’s currently making headlines with his presidential ambitions (and his penchant for photo-ops with large trucks), has taken aim at the AP African American Studies course, calling it “indoctrination” and claiming it lacks educational value. He’s even threatened to do away with AP courses altogether, a move that could potentially leave Florida students with fewer opportunities for college credit and higher test scores.
But why the sudden outrage against the AP African American Studies course? Well, it’s a bit more complicated than a simple “DeSantis doesn’t like history.” The course covers a wide range of topics, including the Black Power movement, the influence of African culture on American society, and the ongoing struggle for racial justice.
To DeSantis, these topics are apparently “indoctrination,” while his own book deal and the millions he’s made off the Florida governorship seem perfectly acceptable. Talk about double standards!
But it’s not just about race, folks.
The College Board is also facing criticism for its role in creating a two-tiered system of education, where wealthy students have access to better resources and are more likely to score well on exams, while low-income students are left behind.
The College Board, a non-profit organization, makes a hefty profit from its standardized tests, including the SAT and AP exams. And while they claim to be working to level the playing field, their track record suggests otherwise.
So, why are AP classes disappearing from Florida?
The decision to potentially eliminate AP classes stems from a combination of factors, including DeSantis’s crusade against the College Board, the controversy surrounding the AP African American Studies course, and a growing trend among some educators to question the value of standardized testing.
But there’s one more layer to this onion of education woes: The College Board’s resistance to changing its course curriculum.
The College Board has refused to modify the AP Psychology course to comply with Florida’s new laws restricting classroom instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity. This move has led to accusations that DeSantis is trying to censor education and control what students learn about LGBTQ+ issues.
Is DeSantis actually trying to do away with AP classes?
It’s a bit unclear, and that’s part of the fun.
DeSantis has made some vague threats about potentially eliminating AP courses altogether, but he hasn’t made any concrete plans. It’s possible this is just another political maneuver designed to grab headlines and garner support from his conservative base.
However, the reality is that eliminating AP classes altogether would be a huge blow to Florida students, who rely on these courses for college credit and higher test scores.
So, what’s next for Florida students?
It’s anyone’s guess.
DeSantis continues to wage war against the College Board, while the organization stands its ground.
Meanwhile, Florida students are caught in the middle, facing uncertainty about their education and the future of AP courses in the state.
The bottom line:
This whole situation is a mess, and it’s a clear example of how political agendas can impact education. But it’s also a reminder of the importance of critical thinking, questioning authority, and standing up for what you believe in.
So, stay tuned, folks. This is just the beginning of what could be a long and drawn-out battle over education, politics, and the fate of AP classes in Florida.
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