Once again, Alabama public schools are gaining in Advanced Placement® (AP), according to the 7th Annual AP Report to the Nation released today by the College Board. AP is a rigorous academic program that offers high school students the opportunity for college-level study with more than 30 wide-ranging courses.
“Performing well on an AP exam means more than just mastering the material in a particular subject: it is a pathway to success in college,” stated Jenny Krugman, College Board Southern Region Vice President. “Research consistently shows that students who score a 3 or higher on AP exams typically experience greater academic success in college and are more likely to graduate on time than otherwise comparable non-AP peers.”
Alabama students’ AP access and success continue to increase. Today, more students than ever are making 3-5 AP exam scores. In fact, more Alabama students are succeeding on AP exams (making scores of 3-5) than the number of students taking AP courses in the past.
According to the 7th Annual AP Report to the Nation, from 2006 to 2010:
- Alabama’s student test-takers have grown 125 percent.
- The number of AP exams administered to Alabama students has grown 144 percent (some students take multiple exams).
- Alabama students’ AP exam scores of 3-5 have increased 79 percent.
More Alabama students are earning qualifying scores (3 or higher) and are more and more prepared to succeed in – not just attend – college.
