Learning and Understanding

This book takes a fresh look at programs for advanced studies for high school students in the United States, with a particular focus on the Advanced Placement and the International Baccalaureate programs, and asks how advanced studies can be significantly improved in general. It also examines two of the core issues surrounding these programs: they can have a profound impact on other components of the education system and participation in the programs has become key to admission at selective institutions of higher education. By looking at what could enhance the quality of high school advanced study programs as well as what precedes and comes after these programs, this report provides teachers, parents, curriculum developers, administrators, college science and mathematics faculty, and the educational research community with a detailed assessment that can be used to guide change within advanced study programs. Table of Contents Front Matter Executive Summary 1. Introduction 2. Context of Advanced Study 3. The Advanced Placement Program 4. The International Baccalaureate Programme 5. Other Opportunities and Approaches to Advanced Study 6. Learning With Understanding: Seven Principles 7. Designing Curriculum, Instruction, Assessment, and Professional Development 8. Analysis of the AP and IB Programs Based on Learning Research 9. Analysis of AP and IB Curriculum, Instruction, Assessment, and Professional Development 10. Uses, Misuses, and Unintended Consequences of AP and IB 11. Recommendations References Appendix A: Overview of Panel Findings and Recommendations Appendix B: Biographical Sketches of Committee Members Appendix C: Statement of Task Index Content Panel Report: Biology Content Panel Report: Chemistry Content Panel Report: Physics Content Panel Report: Mathematics