Over the course of the last several months, mathematics teachers from Coronado High School (CHS) researched current Advanced Placement (AP) Statistics instructional materials to support this course for grades 9-12, most which are grade 12 students.  A committee of Mrs. Dianne Chrisman (course instructor), Ms. Nancy McGreevy (CHS math department instructor), and Mr. Dennis Perez (CHS Assistant Principal) did an in-depth review of available publisher-created materials for AP Statistics. The materials were also reviewed by Mrs. Stacy Morrissey, CUSD Teacher on Special Assignment for mathematics and a CHS parent. 

Rationale: The AP Statistics curriculum and exam developed by the College Board has evolved over the years. The current textbook, published in 2003, now includes many statements and examples that would be considered incorrect on the current AP Statistics exam.  The teacher has been instructing students to cross out incorrect statements as they encounter them, but incorrect statements are often missed. A student who has been absent from class and/or uses their textbook to study is at an extreme disadvantage. Additionally, one of the characteristics of AP Statistics that makes it such an enjoyable course for students is the relevancy of the material. Every problem in the textbook includes data from an actual study. Due to the age of the book, students rarely encounter data that was produced in their lifetime. References to data such as percentages and prices are glaringly outdated. Interest wanes in such an environment.

Another factor indicating the need to update the textbook is the loss of publisher support. The textbook originally included a website with various support materials for both teachers and students. A collection of “Applets” allowed students to engage in interactive activities to enhance conceptual understanding. Each section of the textbook included an online quiz that could be accessed by students in need of extra practice. These quizzes were a much-used resource. The publisher pulled the website down this year and access to current materials is restricted to those who have adopted more current books. CHS is currently using the 2nd edition of The Practice of Statistics. The 5th edition was published two years ago.

The committee reviewed:

  ·       Stats Modeling the World, 4e; Bock, Vellman and De Veaux; Pearson Education, Inc;

          2015

  ·       The Practice of Statistics, 5e; Starnes, et al; W. H. Freeman and Co; 2014

  ·       Introduction to Statistics and Data Analysis, 4e; Peck, Olsen, and Devore; Brooks/Cole

           Cengage Learning; 2012

 ·       AP Statistics, CPM, 2017

The text chosen is Stats Modeling the World, 4e. The text is highly regarded within the AP Statistics community and was written by members of the AP Statistics test development committee. A unit from this text was piloted with students who unanimously voiced the ease of understanding the material; all committee members corroborated. The writing style is the most informal of the texts considered and the discussion of concepts is clear. Analytical processes are laid out in a consistent format which is easy to follow. Each section comes with a large selection of problems as well as a “What can go wrong” section that provides students with cautions and considerations for exemplary statistical practice. There is an appendix in the text that provides instructions for using the TI-nspire calculator which is used in this course. There are AP style review questions at the end of each chapter as well as cumulative AP style practice tests. The CPM text was eliminated because it includes material not consistent with the AP Statistics curriculum.

80 textbooks are requested, 60 to send home with students and 20 for classroom use. Pricing options include:

The textbook was on display in Mrs. Chrisman’s classroom as well as the District Office (with Debbie Rodgers, Learning Department). Parents were invited to review the book.

The total cost of instructional materials is $18,114.78 from unrestricted Lottery funds.   

That the Board approve the adoption of New Secondary Advanced Placement (AP) Statistics Instructional Materials for Coronado High School.