It is the end of the school year and students are preparing for final exams, in anticipation of moving forward in their studies. English students are perfecting their portfolios, looking back on the hard work they have done throughout the year. The teacher begins handing out homework for summer work for AP English Language and Composition. A student looks at his classmate's homework and raises his hand. “How come only some of us get these assignments?” » he said. “I’m also taking AP English next year.” “I have just been informed that only current sophomores will be able to take this course next year. Freshmen will be placed in the American literature major,” she responds apologetically. The class is shocked and falls silent as they digest the implications of this new development. Students should be able to take AP English Language and Composition based on completion of prerequisites rather than grade level. This would allow students to follow the career path they have already created for high school and expand their knowledge in their field of interest. Therefore, if no sophomores are allowed to take it, the initiative for middle school students to take Honors English 9 early will be reduced, as will the academic rigor for advanced students. Most students have already created their four-year plans under the assumption that they would. be able to take AP English Language and Composition as a sophomore. For example, “Astrid,” currently a first-year honors student, plans to study science at university. She built her four-year plan around that, focusing on advanced math and science courses tailored to her major. Astrid took the English 9 honors course in eighth grade to challenge her and allow her to adapt to any course that interests her. As......middle of sheet......nors english 10. However, according to the new system, only second year students will be properly rewarded for their work in this class. Changing the qualification for taking AP English Language and Composition from a grade-level requirement to ability-based requirements would have many benefits. This would allow all qualified students to challenge themselves academically instead of burdening some students with an unnecessary intermediate course. Students would be able to follow their already established four-year plans. Additionally, requiring some second-year students to take an additional course could reduce the difficulties students face and could harm their motivation to take English classes earlier. Therefore, qualified sophomores should be allowed to take AP English Language and Composition as an English course because they are currently proficient and mature enough to take the course..