This past week I had a first time AP Calculus teacher tell me, “I’m way behind, in a bit of a panic, and looking for things I can safely skip for this year. Can you make some recommendations?” This is a common and stressful situation that many teachers find themselves facting at this time of the year. Let me give you FIVE HELPFUL TIPS for managing the anxiety you might feel. Even if you know you can’t finish teaching the full curriculum learning objectives.
1. Prioritize Key Concepts and Skills
- Focus on the most essential concepts and skills that are outlined in the College Board’s Course and Exam Description (CED). This will be more productive than trying to cram everthing in at a rushed pace.
- Be sure to identify the units and topics that are most heavily weighted on the exam.
- Concentrate on the skills that are consistently assessed, such as analyzing data, interpreting texts, applying formulas, and using the appropriate vocabulary for justification methods.
- Even if you can’t cover every single learning objective required, you will maximize student performance on the most critical parts of the exam by having a strategic plan of focus prior to the exam date.
2. Create a Strategic Practice and Review Plan
- Now is the time to shift your focus from teaching new content to intensive review and practice. You might have read my Portfolio Approach from April, 2018.
- Be sure to take advantage of released AP Exam questions, practice exams, and review books to better familiarize students with the format and question types.
- Dedicate class time to practice and score both multiple choice questions (MCQ’s) and Free Response questions (FRQ’s). Be sure to download my FRQ Stem-Type Document.
- Emphasize test-taking strategies, such as time-management, process of elimination, and how to effectively answer different types of questions. Read a detailed list of Things I Wish I Could Have Told Them.
- Spend time reviewing the most missed concepts from student practice questions.
3. Communicate With Your Students
- Be transparent with your students about the situation you are facing.
- Explain that you’re focusing on the most important concepts and skills to help them succeed on the upcoming exam.
- Provide students with clear guidance on what they should focus on during their independent study.
- Encourage them to utilize all of the resources that College Board provides, including the online practice with BlueBook and Desmos, new to the 2025 AP Exam.
- Offer extra review sessions, or Saturday Boot Camps for students who want/need additional support.
4. Collaborate and Share Resources
- Connect with other AP teachers in your district or online communities. If you haven’t joined my Flamingo Math Group on Facebook, you might explore that opportunity.
- Share lesson plans, review materials, and resources with your community. Just be aware to respect the copyright of teacher authors.
- Collaborating can help you identify effective strategies for reviewing the remaining material and address any common student misconceptions.
- Search out other online forums where you can ask for advice and support from experienced AP teachers.
5. Manage Your Own Stress
- Remember that you are not alone. Many AP teachers face similar challenges. Snow days, hurricanes, student absences, and many other factors can interfere in your plans from year-to-year.
- Don’t let the pressure of the exam overwhelm you. Focus on what you can control, and accept that some things are beyond your control.
- Remember that the students overal performance is not a direct reflection of your worth as an educator.
- Prioritize your own well-being by getting enough sleep, eating healthy foods, and taking breaks.
Keep in mind that you are on a journey to become an AP Teacher. Having a strong support group who will both laugh and cry with you is a bonus. If you show anxiety, it could possibly affect your students. Have a plan and work the plan, It will help you learn and grow along the way. Find a group of “your people” to share this journey with you. We at Flamingo Math, are here for you, as well!
Stay in touch, share your plan with us,
