Access to AP Courses

* Re “AP Program--a Big Step Up If You Can Get It,” Commentary, May 5: As one who had the pleasure of teaching both Advanced Placement biology and AP European history and is married to a teacher of AP literature and composition, I would really like to see the magic wand state Sen. Martha Escutia (D-Whittier), Harry Pachon and David Tokofsky are going to wave, and at whom, to create this necessary legion of qualified teachers of AP courses, should Escutia’s bill become law.

The answers to the myriad problems created by this commendable effort can only come from teachers of AP courses. If history is any predictor for finding solutions to education’s problems, these teachers will be the last to be consulted by Escutia and the authors. We need no crystal ball to know who will bear the brunt of the inevitable criticism for failed programs.

RICHARD G. BROWN

San Marcos

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Gov. Gray Davis firmly believes that every high school student who desires to undertake rigorous, college-level work should have access to AP courses. The governor has committed to making at least four AP courses accessible to students at every high school by the 2001-02 school year. The governor’s Advanced Placement Challenge Grant Program, contained in SB 1504, represents a vast expansion of these courses, not only at urban schools but at small and rural campuses that have been unable to offer comprehensive AP programs.

The suggestion that there is “lukewarm” support in the governor’s office to expand accessibility to AP courses is completely false. SB 1504 is sponsored by Gov. Davis. The governor fully supports providing additional funding for the unique needs of multitrack year-round high schools.

The authors are correct in their assertion that middle school students should be prepared for the challenges of more rigorous courses. Davis’ proposed funding of $5 million to the Advancement Via Individual Determination program would do just that. This proven program prepares teams of teachers and tutors to work with students from middle through high school toward a goal of successful completion of a university degree.

SUSAN K. BURR

Interim Secretary

Department of Education

Sacramento