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WIU Department of History Chair Jennifer McNabb
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WIU Professor Chosen as Next Chief Reader for AP European History Reading

June 29, 2018

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MACOMB, IL – Western Illinois University Department of History Chair Jennifer McNabb has been selected as the Advanced Placement (AP) European History Chief Reader, responsible for overseeing the scoring of over 100,000 AP European History exams at the annual AP Reading.

Each June, AP teachers and college faculty members from around the world gather in the United States to evaluate and score the free-response sections of the AP Exams. As Chief Reader for AP European History, McNabb will oversee hundreds of AP Readers as they score student free responses, ensuring students receive fair and valid scores. Additionally, as Chief Reader, McNabb will serve in a leadership capacity on her subject's Development Committee, where new tasks and questions are developed for future exams.

"I am honored to have this opportunity to work with dynamic high school teachers and college faculty across the country in fostering a commitment to students' academic excellence and outstanding education in history and the humanities," said Professor McNabb.

AP Readers are high school and college educators who represent many of the world's leading academic institutions. The AP Reading is a unique forum in which an academic dialogue between educators is both fostered and encouraged.

"The Reading draws upon the talents of some of the finest teachers and professors the world has to offer," said Trevor Packer, senior vice president, AP and Instruction, at the College Board. "It fosters professionalism, allows for the exchange of ideas, and strengthens the commitment to students and to teaching. We are very grateful for the contributions of talented educators like Dr. McNabb."

McNabb is one of 32 Chief Readers, who are responsible for overseeing scoring activities for over 17,000 AP Readers across 38 different subjects. Chief Readers are college faculty and considered experts in their field.

The Advanced Placement Program® (AP®) enables willing and academically prepared students to pursue college-level studies – with the opportunity to earn college credit, advanced placement or both – while still in high school. Through AP courses in 38 subjects, each culminating in a rigorous exam, students learn to analyze complex problems, construct solid arguments and see many sides of an issue – skills that prepare them for college and beyond.

In 2018, close to 2.8 million students took over 5.1 million AP exams. Research indicates students who score a three or higher on an AP exam typically experience greater academic success in college and are more likely to earn a college degree than non-AP students.


Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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