Over the past few weeks, the course AP Psychology has gone through a lot in that it was controversially changed into an AICE (Advanced International Certificate of Education) class, and later then changed back into its current AP format.

   These concurrent changes to the class have led to a substantial amount of confusion from teachers and students. As well as parents, whose uproar may have influenced the course to be changed back to its original format.

    The course was originally changed due to material in it going against Florida’s recently implemented House Bill 1557 which prohibits instruction or discussion of sexual orientation and gender identity in schools.

   Parents and students received the information of the course changing in early August, on very short notice of school starting in the next few days. The unexpected change and subversion of the class students signed up for led to many students dropping the course.

    During the second week of school, there was further confusion throughout students and parents, as there was unofficial information circulating around students that the course may be changing back to the AP format.

   This new information not only caused confusion throughout students taking the course, but its teachers who knew the true status of the class at all times were further disrupted by these changes. The spontaneous changes heavily affected class planning, the schedule of when and what material was to be taught, what to give out as assignments, and many other stresses for the teachers. 

   Following the unofficial rumors, teachers officially announced the class changing back to the AP format. 

 The course was changed back to its original structure due to the Department of Education describing how none of the material in the course violates Florida law, and that the material can be taught consistent with Florida law.

   These changes to the psychology course are confusing and controversial, but for the time being, the AP title is here to stay.