Northern Moves AP Testing to Baker College

Feature
By Sophia Ahmed
Husky Herald Reporter

 Port Huron Northern has recently changed its Advanced Placement (AP) class testing location from the Auxiliary Gym to Baker College in attempt to improve testing environment.  There has been a mixed reaction to this change, with most being a negative response.

  “I was confused when I first heard about the change and now I am just frustrated,” said Margaret Smith (‘17).

  There are arguments to support both sides.

  On one hand, testing at Baker College is a major inconvenience in terms of transportation, especially those with no drivers license.  While the school is providing busing, students still have to get up earlier than usual, which will cause them to lose the crucial sleep they need the night before the exam.

  In addition, most students seem to think that changing a testing location won’t change the test scores-- for PSAT testing, some students were testing in the Auxiliary Gym while others were testing in classrooms.  Selected scores indicated no correlation to testing locations, students received scores of above 90th percentile both in and out of the Auxiliary Gym.

  Administrators first changed the location of the test due to parent complaints regarding “lighting and ventilation,” according to Mr. Barden. Instead of focusing on environment, successful AP students say that their peers should focus on their studying habits.

  Despite student frustration over the location change, most do appreciate the effort that the school has made to accommodate the concerns expressed. “I do understand why they did it, I would just appreciate if they took our opinions into consideration before the change,” said Andrea Johnson (‘17).

  However, not all testing is going to be at Baker College.  

  AP 2D and 3D Art students compile a portfolio of their previous assignments to send to the College Board before the May deadline. AP classes that were self studied are also being administered at Northern and late exams are not going to take place at Baker College either.

  Most students are concerned over how they will have to get up earlier and how the will be in an unfamiliar environment. “I hope that the school will reconsider their stance on the Baker College testing location, I would really appreciate it and I’m sure a lot of other students will too,” said Johnson.