High School Teacher's Honest AP Recommendation Criteria Sparks Debate

High School Teacher Explains AP Class Recommendation Process: Effort and Engagement Key Factors US - A high school English teacher in the US recently sparked a discussion on TikTok about the criteria she uses when recommending students for Advanced Placement (AP) classes. In a video response to a viewer comment, the teacher explained that while some students might have the potential to succeed in AP, their lack of consistent effort and engagement throughout the year plays a significant role in her recommendations. "It's because they believe they *could* do better if they wanted to, but they don't want to. That's why their grade isn't what it is," the teacher stated in her video. She shared several instances of students who only seemed to care about AP classes after discovering their friends were recommended, suggesting a lack of intrinsic motivation. The teacher also discussed students who started the year with lower grades but demonstrated significant improvement in the second semester. These students, she explained, were more likely to receive recommendations because they showed a commitment to learning and improvement. This approach highlights the importance of a student's overall academic performance and attitude, rather than solely relying on initial grades or potential. The video has generated considerable debate among viewers, with many praising the teacher's transparency and others questioning the fairness of the system. The discussion underscores the ongoing conversation about equitable access to challenging academic opportunities and the role of student effort in achieving success.