Carter = AP Expertise

Imagine being responsible for the grading of 400,000 exams, and they all have to be graded in one week. AP Calculus teacher Vicky Carter has been teaching for 44 years and has been grading AP exams at the national level for 18. This year, Carter has been named the Chief Reader Assistant, which is basically 2nd in command of the whole AP Calculus exam for both the US exam and the International exam.

Since starting with the College Board, Carter has worked her way to several leadership positions before this year’s, including being a table leader, a section supervisor, and a question leader, as well as being on the committee that actually creates the AP exam that thousands of students take in the spring.

“I wanted to meet people and to know how the AP system works so it can benefit my students,” said Carter. She said that her experience working in AP grading has made her more aware of errors students worldwide make and it has improved her teaching. Her students agree that the class is challenging but worth it.

“AP Calculus is one of the classes that are very challenging, but it is set up in a way which prepares you very well for college,” said Deep Patel, Senior.

Although the class is rigorous, students accept the challenge and even enjoy it.

“If you pay attention and do your work you will be able to make it,” said Chandni Patel, Senior.

“Keep your Precalculus notebook out because you will need it,” said Wyatt Stanley, Senior.

The percentage of students who pass the AP exam differs every year. Approximately 70 percent of the WF Calculus students passed the exam last year, which is above national average.

“The class is very tough; it covers a lot of material but if a student is well prepared enough it can be hard but doable,” said Carter.

Carter’s colleagues know that she is dedicated to her craft.

“Mrs. Carter has a passion for learning and mathematics. She is a true example of a professional who consistently tries to improve their craft,” said Sherry Young, assistant principal.“Carter got into the AP process because she truly wants her students not only to learn math, but also to appreciate math.”

Carter encourages students to join AP classes, no matter the challenges.

“You are going to work hard, but you will get well prepared for the test and college,” said Carter.