College Board defends changes to AP scoring methodology

The College Board has transitioned from its traditional panel-setting process to a new methodology called evidence-based standard setting (EBSS) for scoring AP exams. This new approach involves analyzing more extensive data sets and receiving input from numerous faculty members.

Trevor Packer, head of the AP program at the College Board, shared that the shift in scoring methodology was made feasible by the introduction of AP Classroom in 2019. This digital platform facilitated the collection of significant metadata for a more data-driven approach.

[EBSS] ensures consistency by linking standards to specific skills and content knowledge demonstrations, aiming to avoid panelist variations and the impact of college grade inflation. The College Board adopted this method to maintain scoring standards over time.

Read at Inside Higher Ed | Higher Education News, Events and Jobs