High School Calculus: Is AP Calculus the best option?

Abstract

In the 2015-2016 academic school year, 3.3 million high school seniors are expected to graduate, and six percent of them are gifted and talented individuals who may be entering an AP Calculus course. Research shows that many students entering AP Calculus end up terminating their mathematical careers before even starting college. This thesis provides an alternative approach to AP Calculus; a non- AP Calculus exemplar unit that provides deeper conceptual knowledge of the slope, connected to the derivative, which may better prepare students for their college mathematics career. High school is a place to encourage students to accomplish their goals and better preparation at the high school level for college calculus may better equip students for future success.