Pennridge proposes AP Seminar English 10 and AP Comparative Government to broaden access

Pennridge School District curriculum leaders presented two proposals to expand Advanced Placement offerings: AP Seminar English 10 (a sophomore honors/AP hybrid) and AP Comparative Government.

AP Seminar English 10 was presented by Meg Burke and AP team members as a course that integrates AP Seminar’s research‑and‑argument framework with the district’s English 10 literature. Presenters said that if approved the course would satisfy the sophomore English requirement while giving students the AP Seminar performance tasks (individual research report, collaborative presentation and written argument) and the end‑of‑course AP exam opportunity. The district said the proposal is intended to expand access — especially for students who otherwise would not elect a separate AP seminar elective — and to be cost neutral with existing staff and resources.

AP Comparative Government, presented by Jenna Vitale, would be offered to grades 10–12 and follow College Board unit guidance on political systems, institutions, participation, party systems and political/economic change, with coverage of the six countries the AP course requires. Vitale said 19% of student survey respondents (about 106 students) indicated interest in the course. She said training for teachers is available through the College Board course audit (free) and the only expected cost would be textbooks; a textbook committee will recommend materials to the board in January.

Presenters said both course proposals will be placed in the 2026–27 program of studies for board consideration; facilities, staffing and scheduling details will be finalized if the board approves the curricular additions.