2009 AP Computer Science Reading

The 2009 AP Computer Science Reading was held at the Duke Energy Convention Center in Cincinnati from June 10 through June 16 (pre-reading June 6-9). Approximately 22,000 exams were scored by 140 dedicated readers and leaders. The informal theme of the reading was "ALOHA" — the Hawaiian word used for "hello", "farewell", "love" and "remembering with affection". Aloha represented our coming together, forming and renewing friendships, and sharing camaraderie. At the end of this reading we bid a final fond farewell to AP Computer Science AB.

Retrospective [AP Annual Conference 2009]

Visuals from session at APAC 2009:
Results from the 2009 AP Computer Science Exam Administration

Grade-Setting

Computer Science A

Computer Science AB

College Board Open Forum

Visuals as presented by Trevor Packer (June 11, 2009):
AP Program Update

Afternoon Announcement Additions

Day 1 — Lei

(Each reader given a cheap plastic Lei, but with much sincerity)

• Brought to Hawaii among the traditions of Polynesian voyagers who were the early settlers.
• As the Lei is made the spirit of the creator of the Lei is sewn or woven into it.
• Materials are chosen to be symbolic of the giver.
• Symbolic of a special experience and place you shared with your loved ones and will cherish always.
  
  

Day 2 — Rain

The Hawaiian language has more than 100 words for rain, which describe the location, volume and intensity of the shower.

• 'Awa refers to a fine rain or mist
• Kawa is for when it's raining heavily
• If a storm is unexpected, it's called ililani
• If the rain is at a slant, it's called ua hikiki'i

In Hawaii, rain is considered a blessing from the gods.

Day 3 — Aloha Friday

In 1962 the Hawaiian Fashion Guild began to promote aloha shirts and clothing for use in the workplace, particularly as business attire. In a campaign called "Operation Liberation", they distributed two aloha shirts to every member of the Hawaii House of Representatives and the Hawaii Senate. Subsequently, a resolution was passed in the Senate that recommended aloha attire be worn throughout the summer, beginning on Lei Day. ("May Day is Lei Day")  In 1965, the Guild lobbied for "Aloha Friday" whereby businesses would allow employees to wear aloha shirts on the last business day of the week.

Aloha Friday officially began in 1966. Hawaii's custom of Aloha Friday slowly spread to California, then continued across the country and around the world leading to what became known as Casual Friday.

Hawaii's local term for TGIF, the phrase "Aloha Friday" was immortalized by Kimo Kahoano and Paul Natto in their 1982 song, "It's Aloha Friday, No Work 'til Monday", heard every Friday on Hawaii radio stations across the state. [Refrain :: Full MP3 available at Amazon]

Day 4 — About Hawaii

• The only U.S. state that grows coffee. (~9 million pounds a year.)
• Has its own time zone: Hawaiian Standard Time
• The widest state in the United States, when measured from east to west.
• The tallest mountain in the world from base to summit. (Mauna Kea on the island of Hawaii measures over 30,000 feet tall from its ocean base to summit, several hundred feet higher than Mt. Everest in the Himalayas.)
• The highest sea cliffs in the world. (The cliffs near Umilehi Point on the island of Molokai drop over 3,000 feet from summit to shoreline.)
• The wettest spot in the world. Mt. Waialeale on the island of Kauai consistently records rainfall of about 500 inches per year.
• The Hawaiian language has the shortest alphabet in the world. It has only 12 letters: A,E,I,O,U,H,K,L,M,N,P,W
• No snakes, seagulls, rabies, billboards or daylight savings time.
  
  

Day 5 — Big Name for a Little Fish

One of the longest words in the Hawaiian language, Humuhumunukunukuapua'a, is the Hawaiian state fish and the name means "triggerfish with a snout like a pig" — also referred to as the name that is longer than the fish.

Q: What do the following three states have in common with Hawaii? California - Texas - Vermont

[A: All were independent entities before becoming states of the union.]

Day 6 — Top 10 List

Top 10 Reasons To Buy a Reading T-Shirt (Even If It Doesn't Fit)

10. Blue is my favorite color 9. To complete my collection of AP Computer Science T-shirts 8. To prove to my family that I was really there 7. So my fellow readers can find me in the airport 6. I've eaten too much and my other clothes don't fit 5. It's time to do laundry 4. This may be the closest I'll get to Hawaii 3. To make the Spanish Armada envious 2. To pay our respects to the AB exam 1. The Chief Reader wants you to

Day 7 — Wrap-Up

Total Number of Exams (unofficial)
21,873 (A: 16737; AB: 5136)

Mean Scores (unofficial)
A1 - 4.70
A2 - 4.65
A3 - 4.75
A4 - 4.00
AB1 - 6.30
AB2 - 6.16
AB3 - 6.56
AB4 - 5.80

Please note that this is not an official website of either the College Board or Educational Testing Service.