Kirabo Jackson gives lecture in Dallas, affirms the value of AP programs
Posted by Sarah Jensen -
Educational Research Analyst -
Laying the Foundation -
C. Kirabo Jackson, an assistant professor of human development and social policy at Northwestern University, delivered a noteworthy speech strongly affirming the value of Advanced Placement incentive programs last Friday (Jan. 20) at the University of Texas at Dallas. Jackson explained the findings from his 2010 report for the National Bureau of Economic Research, which analyzed the results from the AP incentive program implemented in the Dallas Independent School District and other Texas schools
Jackson’s research affirmed that students participating in an APIP program (1) attend college in greater numbers, (2) have improved college GPAs, and (3) are more likely to remain in college beyond their freshman year. Previous research from Jackson validated APIP is correlated with an increase in AP participation and improved SAT/ACT performance.
Jackson opened the lecture by highlighting how much the availability of rigorous courses varies. Rural schools and those in low-income communities are less likely to offer AP classes. Even in schools with an established AP program, the classes often do not reflect the demographics of the overall student body.
This difference in enrollment is likely due to a variety of reasons. Jackson elaborated by saying there may be variability in the information provided to students. Not all students understand the value of enrolling in AP courses. Teachers may have different expectations for different students that affect the teacher-student interactions. Additionally, Jackson discovered through conversations with teachers and counselors there are varying social norms associated with working hard. For some students there is a stigma associated with studying hard.
Providing monetary incentives for enrolling in AP classes and earning a qualifying score gives students an excuse to be studious. “They can tell peers they are taking the course just to get an iPad, even if that is a cover for being a nerd,” Jackson said. Overtime school counselors noted a gradual shift in peer norms. The stigma associated with being studious was dropped as the program became more popular.
Essentially, Jackson’s research confirms that interventions earlier in a student’s academic career can have a large effect on college outcomes.
NMSI’s AP Training and Incentive Program (APTIP) is modeled on the program researched by Jackson and is producing similar results across the country. Read Jackson’s reports here.
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