In the article "This Michigan high school’s mandatory AP course now serving as national model" by Danielle James, Northview High School in Grand Rapids, Michigan, is showcased as a pioneer in making Advanced Placement (AP) courses mandatory for all 10th-grade students. This approach, first implemented six years ago, is now being recognized as a national model by the College Board, which oversees AP exams. The program focuses on AP Seminar, a course designed to build students' academic confidence through critical thinking, collaboration, and research skills.

Key Aspects of the Program

1. AP Seminar Course Hybrid: Northview’s AP Seminar is combined with 10th-grade English to create a hybrid course that not only meets standard English requirements but also prepares students for advanced academic challenges. The course requires students to choose topics, analyze arguments, and improve skills in writing, reading, and presenting. According to College Board's Renata Elvey, Northview's success in this grade-wide implementation demonstrates that making AP accessible to all students is feasible. This approach is now being considered by other schools nationwide.

2. National Impact: The success of Northview’s program has led the College Board to promote the school as a model for other districts. Schools in Michigan, such as Rockford High School, and in Illinois are beginning to adopt similar models. By November 2024, the College Board expects to have more data on schools that will offer the hybrid program, potentially expanding the initiative further.

3. Student Outcomes: The results of Northview’s program have been notable. Since implementing the AP Seminar for all 10th graders, the school has seen an increase in the number of students enrolling in AP courses in their junior and senior years. There has also been a significant rise in the number of students taking AP exams—41% more juniors and seniors enrolled in AP classes, and 61% more students signed up to take AP exams. This suggests that exposing students to AP courses early on encourages them to pursue more advanced coursework in later grades.

4. Positive Feedback from Students and Staff: Northview students have reported that taking AP Seminar helped them improve their academic skills. Senior Oscar Sanchez, for example, shared that the course enhanced his writing and reading abilities, giving him confidence to take other AP courses like AP Literature and AP Language. Teachers have also benefited, with nearly three-quarters of Northview’s faculty involved in either AP or Pre-AP instruction. This involvement provides valuable professional development and fosters a more collaborative and skilled teaching environment.

5. Challenges in Expansion: Despite the success, implementing a mandatory AP course for all students poses challenges for other districts. Northview Principal Mark Thomas acknowledged that some districts may struggle with the concept that all students, regardless of prior academic achievement, can succeed in an AP course. However, he emphasized that the goal is not necessarily for all students to earn a four-year degree, but rather to encourage them to pursue some form of post-secondary education or training.

Conclusion

Northview High School’s mandatory AP Seminar course is reshaping how educators view AP course accessibility. By making the course part of the 10th-grade English curriculum, Northview has increased student engagement with AP material and opened doors for more students to succeed academically. The College Board has recognized this success, positioning Northview as a model for schools nationwide. The approach has shown positive results for students and teachers alike, providing a pathway for other schools to follow in improving both academic achievement and professional development.