Marysville High Beat: Preserve AP classes, preserve opportunity

With our current economy, schools are succumbing to budget cuts. With the firing of qualified teachers and librarians, budget cuts lead to larger class sizes and, unfortunately, also take away classes.

However, is it truly necessary to take away our advanced placement classes? The classes are not gone yet, but a large sum of money used for them could be reallocated to other purposes, considering that students are not required to take AP classes to graduate.

I know the deficit will rise along with the various consequences, for a large majority of students are not interested in AP classes. Also, because schools follow the policy "no child left behind," classes like strategic math have more importance over the advanced ones.

But AP classes should be saved because they give a higher education to future students. The school should be fair and equal to those who desire the challenge.

Angelica Villalobos, a junior at Marysville High School and a future AP student, said, "I believe AP classes should be kept because it teaches you more than just what is taught in regular classes. Although it is an academic challenge, it prepares me for the AP exams, which can give college credit if passed."

One definite key phrase is college credit. The meaning of the two words is immense because of the rising tuition costs for college. As Angelica said, AP classes are an academic challenge for many. If a student passes the exam for an AP class, it is possible for the student to forgo taking certain required college courses.

AP instructors are well-versed in their subject and can therefore properly aid students to prepare for the exam.

Carl Oswood, a senior currently taking advance placement classes, said, "I learned how to write an essay in AP English; before that, I was never taught well. AP classes in general are a more rigorous educational course that prepares us for college."

Carl supports the fact that AP classes are of a high caliber. AP English illustrates that the students' success comes from how much effort they are willing to put in it. Everyone who has taken this class and has chosen to take the exam has achieved a score of 3 or above.

AP government and AP calculus are just as good as AP English. Only a select few take the difficult AP calculus course. The topics covered are more strenuous than the average math class and require a diverse mindset to comprehend the problems.

In AP government, the knowledge gained and tests taken are tough, but the debates and current events incorporated into the lessons make the class live up to its expectations.

If AP classes are removed, fewer opportunities will be given to college-bound students. Even if it is necessary to cut programs, classes and teachers, AP classes without a doubt play an enormous part in some individuals' learning that definitely teaches and prepares many students for the future.