Tennessee’s AP Participation and Success Rates Improve

Monday, August 27, 2007 | 07:00pm

Nashville, TN – Tennessee is outpacing the nation in the increase of students earning superior scores on Advanced Placement (AP) exams, according to a report released by The College Board today. The number of scores in the 3-5 range earned by Tennessee students increased by more than 14 percent in the 2006-07 school year, compared to a nine percent increase nationwide. At the same time, the number of Tennessee students taking AP exams increased 14 percent from the previous school year, compared to 9.5 percent nationwide.

“A quality education is vital to each Tennessee student’s potential for future success and I am pleased with the direction we are moving in,” Governor Phil Bredesen said. “As we strive to improve our schools for all Tennessee children, we will continue to increase student access to challenging coursework and the outcome will be stronger, smarter Tennessee communities.”

“Students who participate in rigorous courses are better prepared for the demands of a college or university curriculum, or the workplace,” Education Commissioner Lana Seivers said. “These students will have more appealing opportunities after high school because they took the initiative to tackle challenging coursework. They also represent the growing pool of Tennessee students who graduate with college credits in addition to a high school diploma.”

Highlights of Tennessee’s AP results from the 2006-07 school year include:

  • Hispanic test-takers increased 30.6 percent
  • The number of AP exams administered to increased 15.5 percent in Tennessee, compared to 9.8 percent nationwide
  • The number of scores in the 3-5 range earned by Hispanic students increased 40.5 percent in Tennessee, compared to 6 percent nationwide
  • Female students accounted for 57.5 percent of Tennessee’s AP test-takers

To view the full report from The College Board, visit www.collegeboard.com.

For more information on Tennessee’s achievement, contact Rachel Woods at (615) 253-1960 or Rachel.Woods@state.tn.us.

Press Releases | Education