1. Characteristics of AP Teachers Survey November 1999 to February 2001

2. Survey Categories Classroom Characteristics Teacher Background Professional development Training and Resource Needs Technology Important Issues for AP Teachers

3. Survey Administered via mail and the internet 32,109 responses Primary purpose To collect baseline descriptive information concerning AP teachers with regard to training, experience, and attitudes Results used to direct changes to AP Program

4. AP Classroom Characteristics AP Classes tend to be small – 17 students is the average Access is limited by academic preparedness Most students take the AP exam AP students have an eclectic classroom experience Ethnic minority and economically disadvantaged are underrepresented Teachers of primarily ethnic minority have lesser teaching experience

5. AP Teacher Background Most have MS/MA in discipline taught Most have1 or 2 AP classes/semester Ethnic minority teachers are underrepresented Ethnic minority teachers teach a greater proportion of ethnic minority students Most are retiring by 2015, 1/3 by 2010

6. AP Professional Development Most received prodev prior to AP teaching Most beneficial activities were reviewing AP course descriptions, released AP exams, and AP teacher manuals. Financial access but limited time Teachers of ethic minority and economically disadvantaged students had fewer teacher release days

7. AP Training & Resource Needs Preparing students for the AP exam Accurately assessing student performance Alternative methods for presenting difficult concepts or skills Covering course content in time available Integrating new technologies into AP teaching Teachers of limited experience  Communicating AP content to students with low levels of preparation  Example syllabi and/or calendars of what to present when

8. Technology in the AP Classroom Most teachers use email routinely 40% of respondents visit internet weekly for AP purposes 65% have internet in the classroom Recommendation based on survey:  College Board initiatives to increase internet usage to make apcentral worthwhile  Develop websites related to AP lesson plans

9. 5 Most Pressing AP Issues Keeping up with changing discipline content New teaching methods in one’s discipline Preparing students for state assessments Lack of family involvement Access to good professional development

10. Reference What Are the Characteristics of AP Teachers? An Examination of Survey Research Glenn B. Milewski & Jacqueline M. Gillie College Board Research Report No. 2002-10 Copyright 2002 by College Entrance Examination Board