The HS I graduated from required kids had passed the pre-AP class prior to allowing them to register for the AP class, but a parent could request, in person, that they be permitted. This worked out for me, as I'd moved here from a state that didn't offer "pre-AP" classes, just honors. I was able, thanks to my step-mom, take all the AP classes I wanted (and got all A's, save for that blasted calculus class!)
I suppose it depends on the area, but where we lived there wasn't a lot of the crazy parenting that seems to go on in places like NYC. For most towns I would imagine allowing exceptions based on parent requests to work out fine.
Great point. I agree with respecting individual readiness/ability as preparation. This flexibility may be important to prevent a future bottleneck with too few seats available in the pre-AP prep classes.
At the same time, I was personally moved by this statement in the article
... a junior with average grades and test scores, is failing her AP U.S. history class; she said she is overwhelmed by the rapid pace and volume of material she needs to memorize. But she said she intends to stick it out because the class is teaching her to manage her time, take good notes and develop perseverance.
She is reaping the benefits of challenge, known to prevent development of what another poster recently termed
habits of ennui. She is expressing a growth mindset. Not to say that she has ever believed one only needs to enroll or show up to be successful, but this may be her antelope... the thing which motivates her to run (reference to Stephanie Tolan's
Is It A Cheetah?). While believing that she may need this opportunity, not every average student may benefit. So much depends upon one's mindset.
The practice of rationing seats and having too few seats may be an area to focus on in crafting a solution: Successful businesses are those which respond to changing consumer demand for goods and services. It seems schools could do this as well. There are many AP courses, and students may be interested in and well prepared for taking several. While scheduling logistics may preclude a student from taking every AP they may be prepared for, this ought to be the exception as supply of class sections could increase to meet demand.
