Every year AP teachers aim for higher passing rates than the previous year. Each AP instructor relies on similar strategies, like taking practice multiple choice tests, using the 5 steps to a 5  test prep books, and writing essays. But this year, Principal Ernesto Garcia has taken preparation for the test into his own hands.

Garcia purchased a school license for Learnerator, an online program that focuses on different AP subjects such as English, Calculus, Government, Economics, physics and foreign languages. The curriculum provides practice with multiple choice and essays, with the multiple choice being broken down by easy, medium and high level questions. After students complete each section they receive a raw score and an explanation of why they got a question wrong. The site allows for students to reset the section and do it all over again, but their first score does not change.

Garcia explained how he came to hear about Learnerator, “Last year the students’ English passing scores increased immensely from previous year and so I decided to ask Mr. Mendez what caused the tremendous improvement and well that’s when he said “Learnerator.” He added, “I decided to see what this program was all about and it seemed like a perfect tool.”

Whether or not Learnerator is a helpful tool, Ignacio Mendez, a senior AP English teacher, is certain  that Learnerator is extremely engaging and helps the students further develop the skills needed to pass the AP test. “I am glad our principal invested in this tool, the AP students seem to be engaged and have meaningful discussions about these questions.” He added, “It challenges the students, they are able to see the areas in which they are proficient and the areas in which they need more practice on.” Deirdre Gonzales, the AP Biology teacher, seems to be on the same page as Mendez. “I have my students complete Learnerator activities at least once a week,” she said. She also added, “The multiple choice section is a huge plus.”

Students seem to have  divided opinions on the topic of whether or not Learnerator will help them pass the test. Israel Mandujano, an AP English and AP government student stated, “I like how the questions are very similar to the ones that appear on the AP test, and  it also helps build test taking stamina.” However, Dalia Cabrera, a senior AP English  student  seemed to be a little iffy about Learnerator, “I think it would’ve been helpful if we started using this tool since junior year, it’s kind of difficult to get used to practicing for an AP test online. Brittany Perez, also an English AP student said, “Switching gears from practicing online to taking the actual test with pen and paper somewhat throws me off, that’s why personally I would rather stick to typical workbooks.” Jakob Lopez, a junior taking AP English, Biology and History stated, “ I like how everything is in one place, we don’t have to visit different sites to review different material, that is a huge time saver and allows us to get the most practice we need.”  Jesus Velasquez, junior in AP English and Calculus also feels positive about the site, “It gives a head up on what is going to be on the test and what to expect, I prefer this over typical workbooks.”.  

Although students and teachers seem to have differing views on the program, Garcia’s investment towards Learnerator seems to have been changing the way students study. Now, only time can tell if it improved students overall scores. “I am certain we will see an increase in passing rates if the students have dedicated themselves to Learnerator. Ultimately it will only benefit them because if they pass the AP test they are getting college credit; it doesn’t get any better than that,” said Garcia.