InAPpropriate

Advanced Placement classes are a great way for driven high school students to do university-level work — and along the way, get credit that can save them thousands of dollars on rising college bills. Which is why we celebrate that more and more New York City kids are taking AP classes and tests. And why this year, after coronavirus forced the College Board into a frantic scramble, colleges should accept alternate indicators what students have learned.

Typically, the end-of-year tests in history, calculus, biology, computer science and more objectively measure skills and knowledge. By any objective measure, this year’s exams — conducted solely online — fell short.

Since all tests are administered online, kids’ reliable access to the internet, and access to peace and quiet in their homes, influenced their performance.

Out went three hour long assessments with multiple-choice questions and essays, in came a single essay with kids given 45 minutes to answer. Not a great way to demonstrate mastery.

All tests were given at the precise same time worldwide, disadvantaging kids in some time zones. Nor was there any foolproof way to ensure that youngsters, not ringers, were taking the exams.

Oh, and did we mention that many kids encountered technical glitches while trying to submit their answers?

There’s a reason standardized tests are typically administered in quiet rooms, overseen by proctors: To ensure a level playing field.

The AP tests failed this year. Let kids use their course grades instead. Sure, that’s somewhat subjective, but it’s far closer to fair.