Teacher Kristen Adams and students outline AP European History course to La Salle-Peru board

Kristen Adams, a social science teacher at La Salle-Peru Township High School District 120, told the school board on March 18 that the AP European History course covers nine units from the Renaissance to the present and emphasizes primary-source analysis, comparative reasoning and written argumentation. "We treat students as historians," Adams said, describing strategies students use on the exam including HIPPO and ACE.

Adams reviewed the exam format — a 55-question multiple-choice section (55 minutes), short-answer sets, a document-based question with seven documents (60 minutes total, 45 minutes recommended for writing), and a long-essay question (40 minutes) — and described classroom strategies she uses to prepare students. She said enrollment has grown from seven students in her first year teaching the class to 14 this year, and that past cohorts have shown high pass rates: "Of the five who chose to take the exam [in her first year], we had a pass rate of four out of five," she said.

Three students who took the class — Manuel Tejada, Michael Niemec and Leo Meyer — addressed the board about their experiences. Manuel said, "Miss Adams is a really great teacher" and recommended the course to others. Students said the writing requirements and practice of analysis were the most challenging elements but also the most valuable preparation for the AP exam.

Adams noted resources she uses to support students and exam practice, and that Illinois public universities grant college credit for AP scores of 3, 4 or 5. The presentation concluded with applause from the board and audience.

The district agenda placed this presentation in the division spotlight; no formal action was taken on the course content or staffing at the meeting.