The College Board announced yesterday that the number of students who passed an AP exam has risen in all 50 states.
The "Advanced Placement Report to the Nation," made in anticipation of the AP program's 50th anniversary in the 2005-06 school year, showed that the percentage of high school seniors who received at least a 3 on one of the tests has climbed from 10.2 percent in 2000 to 13.2 percent in 2004.
In addition to detailing AP success, the report also announced adjustment planned for the AP program.
According to Ayeola Boothe-Kinlaw, director of equity and access initiatives for the Advanced Placement program, one of these adjustments applies to the way grades are reported to schools, districts and states.
"We've changed the way schools receive their grades," Boothe-Kinlaw said. "We've noticed that the pass rate is not equitable."
Boothe-Kinlaw noted that this system discourages schools from allowing more students to take AP classes.
The AP program also is working to improve the number and quality of tests offered.
"We are working with colleges and universities to craft policies based on research," Boothe-Kinlaw said.
She added that the movement among highly selective colleges to decrease the amount of credit awarded was not a reflection on changes in the AP tests' rigor.
"Many colleges have to limit the amount of AP credit they give out because every student comes in with credits," Boothe-Kinlaw said.
Here at the University, a considerable number of students arrive with AP credit.
Dean of Admissions Jack Blackburn estimates that more than two-thirds of incoming first years have AP credit.
The amount and type of credit given varies according to the class and the department, and the University does not limit the amount of credit students can be awarded.
"All the departments have control over the credit given," Registrar and Assistant Dean Sheila Combs said.
In addition to the possibility of getting college credit, taking AP classes and tests can help high school students gain admission to selective colleges.
Blackburn said participation in the AP program is a definite factor in admission here at the University.
"AP scores show us that a student has done well on a national standard," Blackburn said. "Strengths such as high AP scores might be able to offset modest SAT testing"
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