Jennifer, I have no problem with C++ as the language of choice for the AP
Exam, but I agree with you that it makes a horrible *first* language for
all but the most technically gifted. Even my most brilliant computer
student of two years ago who is currently enrolled at Carnegie-Mellon
believes that Pascal still makes a much better first language for most.
It's going to be interesting to see how high schools handle this
situation as the AP exam switches to C++ in a couple of years. Do we
teach Pascal in the first course and C++ in subsequent courses? Do we
start with C++, thus excluding (in my opinion anyway) a large number of
students? Do we stick with Pascal and ignore C++, thus making the AP
exam an option only for the most talented who will pick up C++ on their own?
This might be a sticky resource issue for schools whose size precludes
them from offering a full range of courses.
Ross Lenet
Director of Computer Studies
Sidwell Friends School, Washington, DC
lenet@sidwell.edu