University School of NSU Receives World’s Highest Marks on AP Human Geography Exam

March 27, 2006

University School of NSU Receives World’s Highest Marks on AP Human Geography Exam Among Medium-Size

FORT LAUDERDALE-DAVIE – Students at University School of NSU scored higher on the Advanced Placement Human Geography test than all other test takers at schools of similar size in the world, according to the College Board, the administrator of the test.

The College Board’s Feb. 7 Advanced Placement Report to the Nation reports University School students outmatched all students at medium size high schools, those with between 300 and 799 students. More than 14,000 students in grades 10 to 12 took the exam last year.

“Advanced placement courses are a significant part of our Upper School curriculum,” said Headmaster Jerome S. Chermak, Ed.D. “Along with other rigorous courses, they challenge students to develop analytical skills in addition to content mastery and prepare them for success in college.”

Upper School geography teacher Stephen Marten said he incorporates games, comedy and controversial media clips to teaching the course. “Of course with any rigorous Advanced Placement course there are substantial reading and written assignments to balance the alternative pedagogical approaches,” he said.

The AP Program currently offers 35 courses in 20 subject areas; students sit for the examination in locations throughout the world. Since its inception in 1955, the Program has provided motivated high school students with the opportunity to take college-level courses in a high school setting. Students who participate in the Program not only gain college-level skills, but in many cases they also earn college credit while they are still in high school.

AP Human Geography introduces students to the systematic study of patterns and processes that have shaped human understanding, use, and alteration of Earths surface. Students employ spatial concepts and landscape analysis to analyze human social organization and its environmental consequences. They also learn about the methods and tools geographers use in their science and practice.