What is AP Portuguese and Why is It Necessary?
The primary objective of this initiative is to establish an Advanced Placement (AP) Portuguese Language and Culture course within the College Board's AP program. An AP course in Portuguese would provide high school students with the opportunity to undertake college-level studies in the language, culminating in an exam that could earn them college credit and advanced placement. This is particularly necessary given the substantial Portuguese-speaking population in the U.S. and the absence of such a course, which creates an inequity compared to other widely spoken languages that already have AP courses.
The Data Behind the Petition
Lusophone Population in the U.S., Schools Teaching Portuguese, Demographic Statistics
The United States is home to a significant and growing Lusophone population. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, approximately 1.4 million people speak Portuguese at home. This community is concentrated in states such as Florida, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Jersey, and New York. In Florida, for instance, Miami-Dade County has a vibrant Portuguese-speaking community, with numerous schools offering Portuguese language programs. Nationally, the demand for Portuguese language education is on the rise, reflecting the increasing recognition of its cultural and economic importance.
Comparison with Other Languages Already Included in AP
Currently, the College Board offers AP courses in several world languages, including Spanish, French, German, Italian, Chinese, and Japanese. The absence of Portuguese from this list is notable, especially considering that Portuguese is the sixth most spoken language globally, with over 250 million speakers. The inclusion of languages with fewer global speakers highlights the disparity and underscores the need for an AP Portuguese course to provide equitable opportunities for students.
How This Course Benefits Students, Schools, and Communities
Introducing an AP Portuguese course would offer numerous benefits:
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For Students: It would formally recognize their language skills, enhance college applications, and offer the possibility of earning college credits. It would also encourage students to maintain and deepen their proficiency in Portuguese, fostering bilingualism and biliteracy.
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For Schools: Offering AP Portuguese would enrich the school's curriculum, attract a more diverse student body, and demonstrate a commitment to inclusive education that respects and promotes cultural diversity.
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For Communities: It would validate and celebrate the linguistic and cultural heritage of Portuguese-speaking communities, promote cultural exchange, and prepare students to engage in a globalized world where Portuguese plays a significant role in international business, diplomacy, and cultural affairs.
By establishing an AP Portuguese course, we can bridge the current gap, provide equitable academic opportunities, and recognize the importance of the Portuguese language and Lusophone cultures in the United States.
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Language is more than words, it is identity, culture, and opportunity. Together, we can make AP Portuguese a reality for future generations."
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Shantal De Azevedo.
