Are the College Board Progress Checks Good? A Teacher’s Perspective
You’re staring at your to-do list, and you see it: “Assign AP Progress Checks.” Your eyes glaze over. You’re thinking, “Ugh, another thing to grade.” But hold on, fellow teacher, before you unleash your inner grump, let’s take a closer look at these infamous College Board Progress Checks. Are they actually good? Are they worth the effort? Is it even worth your time?
After all, we’re teachers, not robots. We have lives outside the classroom (well, sometimes). We deserve a break from the constant grading grind. But, as we’ve all learned, the key to surviving the teaching game is to embrace the tools that make our lives easier. And that’s where the College Board’s Personal Progress Checks (PPCs) might just come in handy.
These PPCs are like a little taste test of the real AP Exam. They’re designed to help your students (and you) see how well they’re grasping the course content. And, they’re conveniently aligned with the College Board’s Course and Exam Description, so you can be confident they’re covering the right material.
Think of it like this: you’re building a house, and the Progress Checks are your little mini-inspections along the way. They help you catch any weak spots in your students’ understanding before they become major structural issues (aka, failing the AP Exam).
The Pros of Progress Checks: Why They Might Be Your New Best Friend
Let’s get down to the nitty-gritty. Why should you even consider using these PPCs? Well, besides the fact that the College Board has already done the heavy lifting by creating them, here’s the deal:
- Formative Assessment Goldmine: PPCs are like little treasure chests full of formative assessment data. They give you a glimpse into what your students know (and don’t know) so you can adjust your teaching accordingly.
- Practice Makes Perfect: These progress checks are a great way for your students to get used to the style and format of the AP Exam. They’ll be less likely to freak out when they see those dreaded multiple-choice questions and free-response prompts.
- Time-Saver: While grading is never a pleasure, the PPCs are relatively easy to assign and grade. The College Board even provides answer keys, so you don’t have to spend hours poring over student responses.
- Student Empowerment: PPCs give your students a chance to take ownership of their learning. They can see where they’re strong and where they need to improve, and they can use this information to create their own personalized study plans.
- Data-Driven Decisions: PPCs provide you with valuable data that you can use to make informed decisions about your teaching. You can see which concepts your students are struggling with and tailor your instruction to address those weaknesses.
The Cons of Progress Checks: Not So Perfect After All?
Okay, let’s be real. These PPCs aren’t a magic bullet. There are some drawbacks to consider.
- Potential for Cheating: Since these PPCs are available to all students, there’s a risk of cheating. You’ll need to be vigilant about monitoring your students and enforcing academic integrity.
- Limited Scope: PPCs only cover a small portion of the AP curriculum. They shouldn’t be the sole source of assessment in your classroom.
- Not a Substitute for Real Teaching: PPCs are a valuable tool, but they shouldn’t replace your own instruction. You still need to provide engaging lessons, interactive activities, and feedback on student work.
- Technology Dependence: Students need access to computers and the internet to take these PPCs. This might be a challenge for some students.
The Bottom Line: Are Progress Checks Good or Bad?
The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Whether or not PPCs are “good” depends on your teaching style, your students’ needs, and your own comfort level with online assessment.
If you’re looking for a way to supplement your teaching, provide students with practice opportunities, and gather data on their progress, then PPCs might be a good option for you. But, remember, they’re just one tool in your teaching toolbox. Don’t rely on them exclusively.
Tips for Using Progress Checks Effectively
If you decide to incorporate PPCs into your teaching, here are a few tips to make the most of them:
- Use Them as Formative Assessments: Don’t use PPCs as summative assessments. The results should be used to guide your instruction, not to assign grades.
- Emphasize Student Growth: Focus on how students are progressing over time, not on their absolute scores.
- Provide Feedback: Give students specific feedback on their strengths and weaknesses, and suggest strategies for improvement.
- Make it a Collaborative Process: Encourage students to work together and learn from each other.
- Don’t Overdo It: Use PPCs strategically, and don’t overwhelm your students with too many assessments.
The Verdict: Are Progress Checks Worth It?
The answer is a resounding “maybe.” It depends on your specific situation. If you’re looking for a way to track student progress, provide practice opportunities, and get some data on their learning, then Progress Checks might be a good fit for you. But remember, they’re just one tool in your teaching toolbox.
Ultimately, the best way to decide whether Progress Checks are “good” for you is to try them out and see how they work in your own classroom. Remember, you’re the teacher. You know your students best, and you have the ultimate power to choose the tools that work best for you and your students.
If you need more help or research resources about the College Board Progress Checks, be sure to connect with our amazing JobLoving community! We’re here to support you every step of the way.