How much does your AP Physics pass rate matter as a teacher? I started teaching AP Physics 1 two years ago. I was scared. The national pass rate was appallingly bad and I was afraid to push a course that no one could pass on my students.
I feel very different after teaching it and getting through two National Exams.
What does the national AP Physics pass rate tell us?
I firmly believe that the national pass rate does not accurately reflect the course. If you look at the numbers, many many more students took AP Physics 1 than the old B exam. Schools seemed to have pushed AP Physics on too many unprepared students. Additionally, I have heard tales of freshmen taking it, of schools completely abolishing all Physics but AP, and offering 1 and 2 in the same year. I think all of these things artificially deflate the AP Physics pass rate.
What’s the big difference in the newer course? Less rote memorization and plug-and-chug. More analysis and critical thinking. These are important skills that I hope my students take away from the course. I always say that Physics teaches you how to think. For instance, I’d rather my students remember how to think than recite a definition. I posted here about how I rethought my classroom to make it more student-centered – these types of strategies are definitely important to adjust our teaching to include inquiry and critical thinking.
My hypothesis is that the national pass rate will slowly rise to 50% or so as teachers learn the test and students are able to more adequately prepare. Also, it will take time for teachers and students to adjust to the new exam format. , This exam has almost no calculations and hopefully will create change overall in how Physics is taught. Physics education as a whole seems to be moving towards conceptual understanding, inquiry, and a more hands-on approach. Only time will tell. My biggest fear is that students will see the pass rate and not take the class. They’d be missing out on an amazing adventure.