Race and Gender Issues on the AP United States History Examination

Abstract

OVER THE PAST TWO DECADES, we have made remarkable strides in examining, documenting, and incorporating race and gender issues in our history courses, but it is time to take a look at the ways in which these curricular and pedagogical changes have impacted the Advanced Placement United States History Examination. Here we will focus on three interrelated issues: first, the inclusion of race and gender questions on the examination; second, the steps taken to ensure that the exam is fair to all candidates; and finally, the performance of women and minority students on the examination. Similarities and differences between female and male educational