This item is accessible only to the Washington University community.
Off-Campus WUSTL Users: Click the “Off-Campus Download” button below. You will be prompted to log in using your WUSTL Key.
Date Submitted
2016
Research Mentor and Department
Eileen G'Sell, College Writing Program
Restricted/Unrestricted
Restricted
Abstract
In 2014, in response to teacher complains, the College Board overhauled the AP U.S. History course and exam for the 2014-2015 school year for the first time in decades, shifting the focus from rote memorization to inquiry and analysis. The following year the exam was revised again, this time in response to political complaints that the 2014 update created content that was too left-leaning.
I analyzed the bodies of power behind the revision process and compared the different versions of the exam to each other. Through this research, I sought to understand the source of this change as well as its consequences and implications.