How can I subscribe to the AP Statistics Discussion Mailing List?
To subscribe to the AP Statistics Mailing List, send a (empty) message to join-ap-stat@list.collegeboard.org. You will receive a message from the listserver program asking you to confirm your email address by replying to that message. After you send the reply you are subscribed.
How can I get information from the College Board about AP courses?
The College Board website addresses a variety of issues, in addition to those related to Advanced Placement courses. For the direct link to the College Board AP page, click here.
Who should take AP Statistics?
The College Board addresses this question:
The College Board provides general AP information and specific AP Statistics suggestions.
A summary by the FAQ authors: The mathematical background necessary for statistics is Algebra Two (see the College Board link for verification of this fact). However, there have been some people on the list who feel strongly about using pre-calculus as the prerequisite. Although pre-calculus is not mathematically needed for the AP Statistics curriculum, the reasons for this higher requirement include making sure the students are "mathematically mature" and a feeling that pre-calculus is important for students to complete before entering college. People on the other side of this debate usually feel that statistics is such a useful and practical topic in today's society, that those not headed for math- and science-related majors are better served by statistics than pre-calculus. Also, those in the Algebra Two camp have expressed that with a little more patience and hard work on the part of the teacher, students coming from Algebra Two are able to complete the course and pass the test.
In addition, variations of this question have occurred on the list MANY times. These are just a few comments from the archives:
David Thiel addressed this issue
What content are students responsible for on the exam?
The course content is established by the College Board appointed Development Committee. This information is provided by the College Board and is available in the AP Statistics Course Description (also referred to as the Acorn Book).
Where can I get syllabi from experienced AP Stat teachers?
There are several sources.
The College Board Teacher's Guide
In addition, other experienced AP Stat teachers have syllabi online.
Sanderson Smith (Herkimer's Hideaway)
Are any old tests available from experienced teachers?
Al Coons offers his tests (plus answers) for an entire year using YMM
Can the course be taught in one semester (block scheduling)?
David Cox shares his experiences
Jan Gaylord shares her experiences
Another teacher recalls the year
Block Scheduling and the AP Exam -- College Board Information
How will I know if I'm teaching at a pace so we'll finish the content before the exam in May?
A summary by the FAQ authors: Because of the variety of textbooks and scheduling options (block, quarter, semester, etc.), this question cannot be addressed by one answer. We recommend that you stay current with postings on the list and use those topics that are being discussed as guidelines. In addition, feel free to ask questions about content throughout the course. In general, you may refer to sample syllabi that are posted to get more ideas about class pace.
If you are using the Yates, Moore & McCabe text, a general rule of thumb that can be used is one week per section, including assessment. However, be flexible with this rule: some topics warrant more time and others can be compacted and taught more quickly. In addition, Dan Yates has posted his timeline here. Don McCormick provided his timeline for YMM. Josh Howard searched the archives and posted what he found. And if all else fails, follow the discussion on the list to help you keep in touch.
If you are using Moore & McCabe's IPS, Joyce Smart offers her timeline.
When is next year's exam scheduled?
The College Board provides this information.
What colleges are currently accepting AP Statistics for college credit?
Chris Olsen has collected this information.
What can I do if the college a student wants to attend does not currently give college credit for AP Stat?
An alternative if AP credit does not work
Where can I order the AP Statistics Videoconference that was taped in 1998 where Committee members answered general questions?
From the College Board: AP Statistics Videoconference
Other video tapes are also available.
Who are the Test Development Committee members?
The College Board provides this information.
What is a College Board Faculty Consultant and how do I apply to become one?
The College Board provides this information.