Writing an AP Calc Assessment 

• Include calculator and non-calculator items

• Include multiple choice and free response items

• Write questions that reflect learning targets and success criteria

• Determine scoring rubric for FRQs before administering the assessment (see below)

​

Questions to Include

• Questions that include multiple representations of functions (tabular, graphical, equation)

• Multiple applications of the chain rule (procedural and conceptual)

• Problem requiring combinations of derivative rules in one question (product rule, quotient rule, chain rule)

• Evaluating a derivative of an inverse given a table or graph

• Writing an equation of a tangent line

• Implicit differentiation that includes a second derivative, requiring students to plug in the equation of the first derivative

• Higher order derivative (7th, 8th, or 37th derivative!) of an equation that uses the power rule and the derivative of sine or cosine. This forces students to find patterns and make use of structure instead of simply going through the procedure.

​

Grading Tips

We recommend that you prepare a rubric for the free response items before you begin grading your quizzes or tests. Know what information is necessary for a complete and correct response and award points when a student presents that information. Many of the “Why did I get marked down?” questions are eliminated when you share the components that earn points.