Requiring money for good grades?

[kkei08]

I'm a high school student in Michigan. For the final exam of my AP Calculus class, those students who paid $82.00 to take an "AP test" were given a take-home final exam, basically a free "A". Those students who didn't pay the $82.00 and chose not to take the AP test were given a completely different exam, with a time limit, not open book, and not allowed to collaborate with others during the examination. The AP test isn't a class requirement, it's simply an independent test administered by the college board which allows students to earn college credit by taking high school classes. Therefore, I don't see how those who have the money to spend can get a free A on the exam regardless of how well they do on the actual AP test, while those who don't spend the money are forced to take a much harder exam.

Is this legal? I intend to do whatever I can to be compensated grade-wise.

Thanks
Kris

 

[JETX]

Is this legal?

Of course it is.

I intend to do whatever I can to be compensated grade-wise.

I agree. Start by studying real hard so that you can get an A also.

 

[Ohiogal]

I'm a high school student in Michigan. For the final exam of my AP Calculus class, those students who paid $82.00 to take an "AP test" were given a take-home final exam, basically a free "A". Those students who didn't pay the $82.00 and chose not to take the AP test were given a completely different exam, with a time limit, not open book, and not allowed to collaborate with others during the examination. The AP test isn't a class requirement, it's simply an independent test administered by the college board which allows students to earn college credit by taking high school classes. Therefore, I don't see how those who have the money to spend can get a free A on the exam regardless of how well they do on the actual AP test, while those who don't spend the money are forced to take a much harder exam.

Is this legal? I intend to do whatever I can to be compensated grade-wise.

Thanks
Kris

I can guarantee you no one is getting a free "A". Many take home tests are extremely difficult. More so than in class tests. Go to college and ask for a take home test -- I have had exams that were take home in college (never mind law school) that took four days, the answers were over 15 pages long and I still only got a C.

 

[kkei08]

To clarify, the "take home test" is a 28 question ap practice test, one that we already did previously. In other words, copy down the 28 multiple choice answers you got right the first time, and you've got a free A.

I thought that schools cannot require that you pay money for a grade, or at all. I know it's illegal for a school band to require that you buy an instrument, they must supply you with one if you don't supply your own. How is this any different?

 

[lealea1005]

The students paid the $82.00 to take the AP exam, not to receive an "A" in the class. They're hoping to score a 3, 4 or 5 on the exam and obtain college credit for their efforts. It is common to send home a practice test before the exam. As Ohiogal said, a take home test does not guarantee an "A".

 

[kkei08]

The AP test has already been conducted. I'm referring to the final exam administered by the school which counts for 1/7th of your semester grade. If you paid the $82.00, regardless of how well you do on the AP exam, you're given a worksheet we've previously done as your final exam, while if you didn't pay the money you're required to take a different, more difficult exam.

My main point is, how can the teacher reward students in a public school for somthing they paid for, while those who didn't pay get punished. Let me reiterate, I understand some take home tests can be difficult, but they're being given a simple test that we've already taken, corrected, and have the answers for previously.

 

[Ohiogal]

The AP test has already been conducted. I'm referring to the final exam administered by the school which counts for 1/7th of your semester grade. If you paid the $82.00, regardless of how well you do on the AP exam, you're given a worksheet we've previously done as your final exam, while if you didn't pay the money you're required to take a different, more difficult exam.

My main point is, how can the teacher reward students in a public school for somthing they paid for, while those who didn't pay get punished. Let me reiterate, I understand some take home tests can be difficult, but they're being given a simple test that we've already taken, corrected, and have the answers for previously.

Because the purpose of the AP class is to get college credit for it. That is why the AP test is taken. you are given a test because you apparently did not want college credit though why not is beyond me. The teacher has a right to do that. You are not paying for a grade. You are paying for college credit.

 

[xylene]

Because the purpose of the AP class is to get college credit for it.

The purpose of an AP class is "Through college-level AP courses, you enter a universe of knowledge that might otherwise remain unexplored in high school;"

That is why the AP test is taken. you are given a test because you apparently did not want college credit though why not is beyond me. The teacher has a right to do that. You are not paying for a grade. You are paying for college credit

AP programs are supposed to be equitable. I know I took the AP exams and toough finals for the high school credit. Contact the program directly with your concerns.

AP Services
P.O. Box 6671
Princeton, NJ 08541-6671
Phone: (609) 771-7300 or (888) 225-5427 (toll-free in the U.S. and Canada)

 

[kkei08]

Because the purpose of the AP class is to get college credit for it. That is why the AP test is taken. you are given a test because you apparently did not want college credit though why not is beyond me. The teacher has a right to do that. You are not paying for a grade. You are paying for college credit.

The AP course's intention is to prepare you for the AP exam as well as introduce you to advanced material. The AP test itself is administered independently from my actual school, it's a national test that any high school student can take, regardless if they've taken the class or not. The AP test itself is not a requirement. Quite a few people don't take the AP test, but still take the class itself to be introduced to material they may face in college.

As teachers must be certified to teach AP courses, I appreciate the post xylene. I believe contacting the AP board itself will be the best course of action as I've had little response from my school administration.

Edit:The AP rep I talked with simply said "you'll have to talk with your school district."
It seems like quite a few people think I'm just being immature and trying to get out of a test, while really I'd be happy as long as all students were treated equally whether they paid for the AP test or not. Seems a bit unethical to me, I've contacted the district school board, either way I'll be studying.

 

[xylene]

Edit:The AP rep I talked with simply said "you'll have to talk with your school district."

There is your problem - talk... You need to write a formal letter (maybe even 2 or 3) otherwise it is just going to be blown off.

 

[quincy]

Michigan offers financial aid to students who wish to take the AP exams and cannot afford to do so. If you qualify for no-cost or reduced cost lunches, you meet the State's requirements for this aid. Also, there are organizations looking for students to help in this way. Talk to your school counselor and he/she can point you in the right direction. The AP classes in Michigan schools prepare you so well for the AP tests that it would be silly not to take one - often times, students may be getting a C in the class, but get a 3,4 or 5 on the test - enough for college credit.

 

[kkei08]

It's not that I can't afford it, but rather that I was trying to use that to support my argument. Although, the fact that I can afford the $82 shouldn't oblige me to do so.

As a follow up, I took the test, and am happy with my grade. The other student s who had to take the test performed poorly, but considering they didn't support me in trying to "get to the bottom" of things, they can bail themselves out.

Also, I didn't take the test because I'm going to be in Calculus II and III dual-enrolling as a senior in High School next year, so I'm automatically granted Calculus AB credit (which the test awards to those who score high).

Thanks for the help, everyone.