AP Study Gives Tennessee Positive Marks for Equity

Nashville, TN – Tennessee’s Advanced Placement results show positive trends for Hispanic and Native American students, according to a report released by The College Board today. The study examined how many of the students enrolled in AP courses actually earned a score of 3 or higher on the related AP exam. The report found a proportionate number of the Hispanic and Native American students enrolled in AP courses in Tennessee are passing the AP exams.

Tennessee adopted new graduation requirements and academic standards in January that all students must meet to earn a diploma. The new math, science and English standards reflect national expectations by organizations such National Assessment of Educational Progress and ACT, Inc. Tennessee is also funding benchmark testing for all students in grades 8, 10 and 11 to keep students on the path to succeed on college-readiness exams.

“AP coursework is one way to measure whether a student can complete college-level work,” Acting Education Commissioner Tim Webb said. “Tennessee places a high priority on exposing all students to challenging classes that will prepare them for college or a fulfilling career.”

Tennessee’s overall student participation in AP courses and passing rates on AP exams are up from 2006. In the Class of 2007, 18.3 percent of Tennessee students participated in AP coursework during high school compared to 11.9 percent in 2002. The number of scores in the 3-5 range earned by Tennessee students and the number of Tennessee students taking AP exams increased by more than 14 percent.

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