Support belonging in AP classes through AP teachers of color, near-peer mentors, culturally sustaining curricula, and targeted supports¶

Strategy · All strategies
Evidence · no claims cited

Description¶

The brief argues that a sense of belonging is fundamental to success in advanced courses and that schools, not students, must create welcoming environments. Recommended actions include investing in recruiting and retaining AP teachers of color, providing "guidance to students through near-peer mentors," utilizing culturally sustaining curricula, and offering targeted supports such as free AP Bootcamps, in-course tutoring, and separate study sessions for English learners.

Design Implications¶

Context¶

Requirements¶

• School and district investment in recruiting and retaining AP teachers of color
• Targeted student supports such as tutoring and summer bootcamps

Constraints¶

Target Learners¶

• High school students of color and English learners enrolled in or considering AP courses

Target Learning Goals¶

• Sense of belonging and success in advanced coursework, including earning passing AP scores

Related Strategies¶

• Equitable access to rigorous and culturally sustaining curricula, including automatic advanced-coursework enrollment
• Diversify the educator workforce through Grow Your Own programs, scholarships, and retention supports
• Support struggling advanced-course students with expanded learning time and intensive tutoring

Examples¶

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Key Sources¶

• Kristen Hengtgen, Hector Biaggi. (2023). Increasing Access to Advanced Coursework in Kentucky. EdTrust. https://eric.ed.gov/?id=ED641971