Tan Talks sits down with Matt White—AP TOSA, data-loving cheerleader for “AP for all,” and former class clown turned teacher’s pet—to unpack what Advanced Placement really is and why it matters from kindergarten to commencement. We connect K–5 moves (science-of-reading routines, math fluency, stamina, and productive struggle) to AP success years later, and dig into what scores actually mean—including why a “2” can still signal college readiness. Matt breaks down pacing vs. perfection, celebrates rising district pass rates (70%+ at every high school), and spotlights new offerings: AP African American Studies, AP Macroeconomics, and a peek at AP Cybersecurity on the horizon.

Quote from Matt: “We’ve got to help kids do the thing they don’t want to do so they can become the thing they want to be.”

You’ll hear:

• What AP is, how Pre-AP fits, and how grades differ from AP exam scores

• Practical ways elementary teachers build the runway for AP (and college)

• Why persistence beats perfection—and how teacher collaboration moves outcomes

• Real student stories that turn hard work into first (and second) chances