Indiana scores AP performance gains
Superintendent of Public Instruction Dr. Tony Bennett congratulated students, teachers and school leaders today after the College Board’s 8th Annual AP Report to the Nation revealed Indiana’s students achieved the nation’s sixth highest one-year increase in graduates earning a passing score (3, 4 or 5 on a 1 to 5 scale) on an Advanced Placement (AP) exam.
The percentage of high school graduates passing an AP exam increased from 12.4 percent in 2010 to 14 percent in 2011. In 2009, the pass rate was 10.4 percent. This gives Indiana the second highest two-year increase in the nation.
African-American, Hispanic/Latino, and low-income students increased both their participation and passage rates on AP exams.
“We all should be proud and encouraged by these significant and steady gains in the number of students passing AP exams,” Bennett said. “I congratulate the Hoosier students who are challenging themselves with these rigorous courses and assessments, and I offer sincere thanks to Indiana’s educators for the hard work they have invested to increase AP opportunities and success in our schools.”
In 2009, Dr. Bennett and the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) set a goal for 25 percent of all high school students to receive a passing score on an AP or International Baccalaureate exam or successfully complete dual credit coursework. Indiana law requires every high school to offer at least two AP courses—one in mathematics and one in science.
“Statewide, Indiana schools are working to provide students more challenging academic opportunities to prepare them for success in college and the workforce,” Bennett said. “These increased opportunities are paying off for students and their families; the more challenging coursework students take in high school, the less likely they are to require expensive remediation. And in many cases, passing these AP exams allows students to forego some early college coursework."
For more information on Advanced Placement in Indiana, click HERE.
