I have a pretty good group this year too. Combined with the benefit of my skills and understanding of teaching world history that I have gained through my years at the AP Reading, I believed that this group had a fantastic chance of nearly all of them getting college credit for the course. ... Then the world went wonky while we were on spring break.
I feel really good about the online course designs that I created for all of my classes, but I've been quite happy with what I have done for my AP World class. I've been pulling material from teachers across the nation (and sharing some myself) as well as working in conjunction with the AP site to provide one of the best exam preparation units that I have ever put together. I've stayed up to date on all of the changes (and there have been many) and issues (and there have been even more) that have come up with the test this year.
And hardly any of the students are paying attention.
I feel fortunate when, like today, I manage to get a third of the class to take part in what I have prepared for them. There were a couple of students that I did not expect to see once they found out that this quarter could not be a detriment to their grade, but most of the rest of these kids are the best of their class, imaginative, creative, and determined. I've been emailing regularly and calling occasionally to little effect. It is disheartening.
We have a week and a few days before the exam. Perhaps more will show as the deadline approaches. I feel that those who have been attending and participating are becoming more confident and capable, but I remember how overwhelmed they were we started reviewing. I worry that we do not have the time for those students who have not been reviewing to get to the same point of confidence and ability.
I will try to have them ready regardless.