Sameer Bhattarai, PhD, Environmental Science Professor
Physical Science Professor Sameer Bhattarai, PhD was selected to participate in the national College Board AP® Reading—a conference to evaluate Advanced Placement Program® (AP®) Examinations—in the subject of his expertise, Environmental Science.
College faculty members and high school teachers from across the nation, including a number of instructors from abroad, gathered in Cincinnati, Ohio to score the free-response sections of the AP® Examinations. The Reading occurs annually in June, and the Environmental Science section took place this year on June 2–8.
He was awarded a certificate of recognition for his work scoring the exams.
“This was the best professional development I have ever been part of,” Dr. Bhattarai said. “This unique experience has enabled me in a significant way to improve student learning in my classes.”
Additionally, the AP Reading is a forum where educators discuss standards of achievement in their disciplines, consistency of scoring, and academic rigor.
“The Reading draws upon the talents of some of the finest teachers and professors that the world has to offer,” said Trevor Packer, Senior Vice President, AP and Instruction at the College Board. “It fosters professionalism, allows for the exchange of ideas, and strengthens the commitment to students and to teaching. We are very grateful for the contributions of talented educators like Professor Bhattarai.”
About the AP Examination
AP is a program at secondary schools enabling students to earn college credit, advanced placement, or both, while enrolled in high school courses. There are 38 different AP subjects offered nationally.
Each AP class culminates with a rigorous exam where students demonstrate mastery of course objectives. Students are evaluated in how well they analyze complex problems, address many sides of a topic, and construct solid arguments. The College Board tests for these skills because they prepare students for college and career.
“Research indicates that students who score a 3 or higher on an AP Exam typically experience greater academic success in college and are more likely to earn a college degree than non-AP students,” wrote the College Board in a press release.
Many colleges grant college credit and placement for scores of 3 or above. Each institution determines the score a student will need for credit.
The College Board Sponsors AP Exams
The College Board is a nonprofit organization governed by a Board of Trustees, and is comprised of more than 6,000 colleges, secondary schools, and other nonprofits.
Each member institution appoints representatives to serve on three national assemblies that report back to the Board of Trustees and president of the College Board on topics such as educational excellence, curriculum, and access to postsecondary education.
Educational Testing Service (ETS®) develops and administers the AP®, SAT®, and other programs for the College Board. The College Board sponsors these examinations and determines how they will be administered and used. ETS also works with other clients and provides additional assessment tools such as HiSET®, a high school equivalency test; and GRE®, an examination for prospective graduate school students.
For more information about Environmental Science at TMCC, please contact the Physical Sciences Department at 775-673-7183.