In previous years, the AP Spanish course was one of the most successful Advanced Placement classes offered here. Students thrived in the class and most students passed the AP test. However, after the previous AP Spanish teacher, Maria Cordova, retired three years ago, the program died.
That is why AP Chemistry teacher John Steiner and current Spanish teacher Raquel Chavez are working to revive AP Spanish at Stagg next year.
Steiner has an interest in bringing AP Spanish back because it was a successful program in the past and “the more AP courses offered, the more reasons for students to come here since we would offer more academically challenging courses.”
The current Spanish 3-4 and 7-8 teacher Chavez, who volunteered to teach the AP Spanish class next year, has been working tirelessly to recruit students for the AP Spanish class.
“I would be glad to teach it, but if there’s not enough students then fine.”
Unfortunately, due to many different issues, such as planning, AP Spanish will not be offered here next year. However, Mr.Phillips has made a commitment to bring AP Spanish here the following year. With proper planning, the hopes are to have a successful AP Spanish class offered for students.
One of the main obstacles with bringing AP Spanish back to the school next year is the number of students who want to take the class. About 22 students are signed up for AP Spanish now, but at least 25 are needed to make the program possible.
Junior Teresa Zacarias looked forward to the opportunity of AP Spanish next year.
“Colleges will look at me more because even though I know the language, I want to improve it.”
It is unfortunate for students like Zacarias, who won’t be able to be a part of the AP Spanish next year, but the school is working to change that for the next class of students.
Even though the AP class isn’t going to happen next year, Zacarias still sees the bright side. “It wouldn’t upset me that much because they have Spanish 7-8, but it’s a great resource.”
Jose Chavez Cordova, a junior, also looked forward to the possibility of taking AP Spanish because more colleges will look at him and he’ll be able to help others by translating.
Junior Tosha Monroe agrees with Zacarias and Cordova’s opinion about colleges looking at her more. However, she thinks that the amount of students who want to sign up could be a bit of a problem.
“I think there would be a lot of students willing to sign up, but nobody knows about it.”
Even if the school does get enough students to sign up for this class next year, it is still just a proposed idea.
“With AP Spanish the first step is getting the population and then the second step is looking to see if there’s funds available,” said Chan Sam, head counselor.
