Book Review: Abrams, A. (2023). Shortchanged. How Advanced Placement Cheats Students. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press.

Abstract

A much-needed thorough analysis of the validity of the powerful cultural and institutional role of the Advanced Placement exams is clarified right from the start: “Much of today’s discussion about the decline of the liberal arts centers on the undergraduate experience: tracking applications to liberal arts colleges and enrollments in majors, navigating the relationship between humanities and STEM requirements.” (pp. 3-4) This is how Annie Abrams begins her highly engaging and argumentative presentation of a contemporary issue regarding the mission of the Advanced Placement (AP) programs. With a quick self-assessment of her experience as a college instructor, the author recalls that “teaching writing was social,” which also relates beautifully to basic values embedded in student writing: “Clarity, innovation, investment, and enthusiasm all contributed to an essay quality.” (p. 4)