Over the next few months, SCH teachers will evaluate students and giving their expert opinions on course placement for the following year. Unlike other subjects, AP statistics evaluations include PSAT scores from when students took the test in either sophomore or junior year.

Honors and AP statistics teacher Mrs. Craft explained why PSAT scores are taken into consideration. ”We went to this many years ago in order to set students up for success in the course,” she said. She added, “There’s a pretty strong correlation between PSAT scores and AP exam scores.”

Mr. Keister, the SCH math department head, talked about why the PSAT is such a good tool for course placement and how it makes it extremely easy to determine a student’s placement. He was able to work alongside Mrs. Craft to create this method of evaluation. When asked if freshmen students and parents know about the use of PSAT scores for course placement he said, “Yes and No. That information is posted year round in the course catalog for all students to see.” Mr. Keister added, “For AP stat the PSAT scores are more for the writing portion because the exam you’re going to take needs levels of reading ability and comprehension to succeed.”

SCH senior Tommy Markey took honors statistics junior year and planned on taking AP statistics his senior year, but his PSAT score didn’t reach the requirement. Tommy said, “I succeeded in the class last year and thought I definitely should’ve been eligible to take AP stat.” He explained, “I took the PSAT sophomore year and have significantly improved as a student since then.”

Will this always be the protocol for course evaluation? Math teachers Mrs. Craft and Mr. Kiester believe so. Although some believe it’s unfair like Tommy, the math department has proven that their system works year after year by showing amazing success in the AP statistics exam.