AP History
Revisions to AP history promote the historical thinking skills and key concepts most valued by colleges and universities. Teaching and learning through key concepts enables students not only to master facts but also to make meaning and connections within historical contexts.
What’s Changing
AP U.S. History
In November 2010, college and university department chairs nationwide reviewed the proposed AP U.S. History Curriculum Framework and enthusiastically validated the features of the course (see AP History Course Redesign). These experts also validated an increased emphasis on the history of the Americas from 1491 to 1607, and on American history from 1980 to the present.
As a result of teacher feedback, the curriculum framework is undergoing further revisions. We will release a final framework two years prior to launching the course.
Revised Courses
Effective Fall 2011 AP World History
AP History Course Redesign
Revisions focus on the following goals:- Provide a detailed curriculum framework.
The curriculum framework promotes using historical thinking skills to explore global patterns of change over time. Students learn to analyze and interpret historical events in depth and to apply their understanding to a variety of historical contexts. Exam questions measure content and skills. - Articulate clear learning outcomes for students.
The framework provides clear learning objectives for students of history. - Cut back on content to strike a balance between teaching facts and skills.
With less content to cover, teachers gain the flexibility to explore concepts in depth as they develop students’ historical thinking skills. - Encourage multiple approaches to teaching.
Teachers can explore key concepts using either a chronological or a thematic approach. Through course themes, students make connections across historical periods. Using either approach, or alternating between the two, can boost learning outcomes. - Reflect college-level expectations.
The College Board collaborates with distinguished history educators from colleges, universities, and secondary schools to ensure that course revisions reflect rigorous college-level standards.