Who’s Calling the Shots on APUSH? Unmasking the College Board’s AP History Power Players
So, you’re about to embark on the epic journey that is APUSH, the hallowed halls of Advanced Placement United States History. You’re probably wondering: “Who’s the mastermind behind this whole AP extravaganza? Who decides what we learn, what’s on the exam, and how much stress we’ll endure?”
Well, buckle up, because the College Board’s AP program is a complex beast, and figuring out who’s in charge isn’t exactly a walk in the park. Think of it like trying to navigate a labyrinth filled with historical figures, exam blueprints, and a whole lot of power plays. But fear not, my intrepid history buff, because we’re about to unravel this tangled web and unveil the key players who hold sway over your APUSH destiny.
The Big Cheese: David Coleman, the CEO Who Holds the Keys to the Kingdom
Let’s start with the big kahuna, the head honcho, the CEO who’s got the ultimate say in the College Board’s grand scheme: David Coleman. This man, with a salary that would make a king jealous (over $2.5 million a year, no less!), is the ultimate decision-maker for the College Board. He’s the one who sets the vision, the strategic direction, and the overall priorities for the organization. Think of him as the conductor of a giant orchestra, wielding his baton to orchestrate the AP program’s every move.
Now, while Coleman might not be directly involved in every single APUSH decision (you’d think he’d have better things to do with his time, right?), his influence is undeniable. He’s the one who sets the tone, the overall philosophy, and the overarching goals of the AP program. So, if you’re ever feeling particularly frustrated with the APUSH curriculum, well, you might want to take it up with David Coleman. But be warned, he’s got a lot on his plate, so good luck getting through to him.
Jeremy Singer: The President Who Keeps the Ship Afloat
Next up, we have Jeremy Singer, the College Board’s President. Now, this guy is a bit of a multitasker, juggling a vast array of responsibilities, including overseeing the AP program, the SAT, various other assessment programs, BigFuture (their college planning initiative), and even Finance, Technology, Operations, International, Risk Management, Legal, and Global Strategy and Talent. You know, just the usual stuff.
While he might not be the ultimate decision-maker on APUSH, Singer is the one who ensures the program runs smoothly, that it’s financially sustainable, and that it meets the needs of its members, which include teachers, students, and colleges. Think of him as the ship’s captain, ensuring the APUSH ship stays on course and doesn’t crash into an iceberg of curriculum confusion.
Trevor Packer: The AP Program Guru Who Knows His Stuff
Now, let’s dive into the heart of the APUSH operation. The mastermind behind the program, the one who actually calls the shots on what goes into the curriculum and the exam, is Trevor Packer. He’s the Senior Vice President of the AP program, and he’s got a lot of responsibility on his shoulders. He oversees the development and management of all 38 AP courses, including, you guessed it, APUSH.
Packer is the one who’s responsible for making sure the curriculum is up to date, that the exam is relevant and challenging, and that the program as a whole meets the needs of students and colleges. He’s the one who gets the blame (or the credit) for all the big changes to the APUSH program, like the recent redesign that sent shockwaves through the history world.
Lawrence Charap: The APUSH Curriculum Architect
Now, we’ve got a character who’s deeply immersed in the nitty-gritty of APUSH: Lawrence Charap, the AP Curriculum and Content Development Director. He’s the one who’s in charge of the APUSH redesign, the one who decides what topics are covered, what skills are assessed, and how the course is structured.
Charap is essentially the architect of the APUSH curriculum. He’s the one who makes sure the course aligns with college-level expectations and that it’s relevant to the historical landscape. He’s also the one who has to deal with the inevitable backlash from teachers and students who are unhappy with the changes. It’s a thankless job, but someone’s gotta do it.
The Development Committee: A Bunch of History Buffs Calling the Shots
But wait, there’s more! The AP program also relies heavily on Development Committees, which are made up of an equal number of college faculty and experienced secondary AP teachers from across the country. These committees play a critical role in developing the APUSH curriculum and exam. They’re the ones who provide feedback on drafts, suggest changes, and ultimately help shape the final product.
These Development Committees are essentially a group of history experts who are tasked with ensuring the APUSH program is rigorous, relevant, and representative of the field. They’re the ones who are in the trenches, working day in and day out to make sure the APUSH curriculum is the best it can be.
So, Who’s REALLY in Charge?
Now, you might be thinking, “Wait a minute, so many people are involved! Who’s actually calling the shots?” Well, the truth is, it’s a collaborative effort. David Coleman sets the overall vision, Jeremy Singer makes sure it runs smoothly, Trevor Packer oversees the development of the program, Lawrence Charap designs the curriculum, and the Development Committees provide feedback and guidance.
It’s a complex system, and it’s not always clear who has the ultimate say. But one thing’s for sure: the APUSH program is a product of a lot of different voices, a lot of different perspectives, and a lot of hard work. And while you might not always agree with the decisions that are made, you can be sure that they’re made by people who are passionate about history and committed to helping you succeed.
Remember, the APUSH journey isn’t just about memorizing dates and facts. It’s about developing your critical thinking skills, your ability to analyze historical evidence, and your understanding of the forces that have shaped our nation. So, embrace the challenge, learn from the experts, and let your historical knowledge soar!
Need More Help with APUSH?
If you’re still feeling lost in the labyrinth of APUSH, or if you need more insights into the College Board’s inner workings, don’t despair! Join us at the JobLoving community and connect with fellow history enthusiasts, seasoned APUSH teachers, and maybe even some of the College Board power players themselves! We’re here to help you navigate this historical adventure and conquer the APUSH exam. So, come on in, the history is waiting!