As an undergraduate, it was quite rare to discover peers with AP credits earned by taking exams while in high school.  Since then I am fascinated that students now earn more than just a few AP credits!

This may be changing, however, if Dartmouth College is a bellwether.  Dartmouth recently announced they will no longer grant AP credit, citing concerns of protecting the eight-semester experience (http://www.dukechronicle.com/article/some-colleges-weigh-value-ap-credits).  This comes at an interesting time when colleges are under pressure to accept a growing number of transfer students with credits from other institutions, as well as growth in MOOCs and other alternative educational experiences.

By the way, I would like to take this time to introduce Marion Bressler, and share my lone AP experience.  Mrs. Bressler was a fascinating lecturer in AP History, and was able to mesmerize a large section of high school students for an entire year.  I was not surprised to learn from her obituary that she was a national pioneer in the AP movement, worked with ETS as a consultant, and even taught Joe Paterno’s athletes.

I have tried to incorporate Mrs. Bressler’s sense of trust and mentoring with my students.  From her I know that learning is a path, and not a race.  She was never condescending or dismissive.  She did more to prepare me for many years of college than any other high school experience.  I am grateful that I had the chance to thank her a few years ago when our paths crossed.  She lit up and fondly remembered her students, our time together, and what we had accomplished.  She had every right to be proud of her time with her students.  We are better for it.