DeSantis vs The College Board

Photo from Collage Board.

Ella Hutton

How many times have you walked into your AP class wishing it was May and your exam and class were over? Lucky for you, if you live in Florida, that may become a reality. Unfortunately, this isn’t as joyous as it sounds. 

The College Board offers a variety of history courses, including European History, Human Geography, US History and Government and Politics. The idea of an AP African American Studies has been in progress for about a year and the official framework was released on February 1st, which is also the start of Black History Month. The class will study African American history in depth and “events, experiences, and individuals crucial to a study of African American history and culture” stated by the College Board in a letter sent out to its members. 

They used over 300 professors from over 200 colleges and universities nationwide for expertise in the subject; however, the legitimacy and purpose is being questioned by politicians. 

Last year, Florida passed a law called the “Stop W.O.K.E.” act last year, rejecting Critical Race Theory. They then accused the College Board that some of the aspects in this new AP course violate state law. 

Following the controversy of DeSantis condemning AP African American Studies, he began suggesting that Florida can find an alternative to what the College Board offers. DeSantis sees the College Board as a “service” and that “there are probably some other vendors who may be able to do that job as good or maybe even a lot better.” His mission is to “Stop woke.” 

Except, what is he really mad about?

In his 2021 State of the State address, he claimed Florida is second in the country for the percentage of graduating seniors who have passed any Advanced Placement exams. Florida even has one of the highest AP participation rates in the nation. He is criticizing the one curriculum that represents success in his state. 

Along with AP classes, the College Board administers the SAT. The state of Florida requires a passing score on the SAT or for each student to pass the grade 10 Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT). DeSantis is looking at alternatives for the SAT, and the Classic Learning Test (CLT), founded by Jeremy Tate, is becoming a prevalent option. 

The CLT is primarily used by private schools and home-schooling families and has roots in the classical education model. Tate admits more conservatives will gravitate towards the CLT, but makes it clear how they don’t want to be “a Trumpy or conservative test.” However, Tate has publicly argued that the solution to “mainstream” education is giving an education alternative to “left-wing indoctrination.” It’s safe to say that unfortunately, the decision on Florida’s high school educational curriculum and policies will be driven by politics. 

What does this mean for high schoolers in Florida right now and even the future for standardized tests?

There are already strict bans on books and students are not allowed to bring books from home or read on apps. DeSantis also made clear that any funding that supports DEI (diversity, equality and inclusion) or Critical Race Theory is prohibited. Higher education officials who work on DEI committees reported having their emails searched and DEI programs being canceled by administrators.

Education is a huge agent towards political socialization, which is the process of how someone integrates themselves in the political world and develops their own beliefs and morals. DeSantis has these students' social developments in his grasp and it’s worrying to see what the next generation that comes from this will look like. 

In general, it’s very obvious how DeSantis is using his power to control the education system in Florida, but nothing he is doing is unlawful. State governors are allowed to issue directives to redesign high schools to their liking. 

DeSantis is also theorized to be considering running for president in 2024, and one can only predict policies he’ll put in place. What the future holds for Florida high school students is terrifying and if his presidential attempt is successful, the public education system could turn into a dumpster fire while DeSantis feeds the flame with a bottle of classical-education gasoline.