Maryland has had more success than any other state in the nation in increasing the involvement of its high school students in the rigorous Advanced Placement (AP) testing program, according to newly released data from the College Board.
Moreover, Maryland has made great strides in moving traditionally underrepresented minority students into the AP program, according to the College Board analysis. In states with significant minority populations, Maryland had the highest percentage increase in the number of minority students taking AP exams—36 percent in all schools and a whopping 41 percent in public schools. AP test scores for students also improved.
"The research released by College Board signifies we are on the right track," said Dr. Nancy S. Grasmick, State Superintendent of Schools. "Maryland students are rising to meet the challenges we’ve set before them. The continued success, particularly among traditionally underserved students, is a testament to the hard work of educators in the state."
Dr. Grasmick said much of the success in Maryland should be attributed to the state’s partnership with the College Board, working closely with the organization to build interest and involvement in the AP curriculum by schools in every corner of the state.
"Maryland has taken the right steps to increase participation in the AP Program," said Gaston Caperton, president of the College Board. "By providing both encouragement and tools for all students, the state has helped open a path to improve access to college for all Maryland students."
Overall, 36 percent of Maryland 11th and 12th graders took one or more AP exam in 2003-the highest percentage of any state in the nation. Nationally, 12.5 percent of 11th and 12th grade students took one or more AP Exams in 2003. In addition, the state had the highest percentage increase in the number of public school students taking the exams. Twenty-four percent more Maryland public school students participated in AP in 2003 than in 2002. Nationally, 10 percent more public school students were involved in AP. The number of Maryland students scoring 3 points or higher on the AP exam - the score at which many colleges give credit - increased by 12.7 percent.
Maryland's 36 percent increase in underrepresented minority participation, and 41 percent jump for all schools, compared with a 15 percent increase in minority participation nationwide, and 16 percent increase in public schools, the College Board found.
Maryland's teachers and administrators, with MSDE's leadership, have redoubled efforts to strengthen achievement, particularly among disadvantaged students. The Visionary Panel for Better Schools report in 2002 placed new emphasis on improving participation and performance statewide in such challenging programs such as AP.
The College Board's Advanced Placement Program, which began in 1955, allows students to pursue college-level studies while still in high school. Students of different interests and backgrounds can choose from among 34 courses and exams in 19 subject areas to demonstrate their knowledge of rigorous academic curriculum. Based on their performance on AP Examinations, students can earn college credit, advanced placement, or both. Research shows that students who take AP courses and exams are much more likely than their peers to complete a bachelor's degree in four years or less.
College Board figures reveal a number of gratifying results for Maryland students:
Hispanic Students
- Of states with significant Hispanic student populations, Maryland had the highest percent increase in the number of Hispanic students taking AP Exams--35 percent in all schools and 42 percent in public schools. Nationally, Hispanic student participation in AP Exams increased 16 percent at all schools and 16 percent in public schools.
- Of states with significant Hispanic student populations, Maryland had the highest percent increase in the number of exams taken by Hispanic students in public schools--43 percent. Nationally, the number of exams taken by Hispanic students in public schools increased 18 percent.
- Of states with significant Hispanic student populations, Maryland had the highest percentage increase in Hispanic public school students receiving an AP grade of 3 or higher--34 percent, and the highest percentage increase in the number of AP Exams taken by Hispanic public school students receiving a score of 3 or higher--64 percent. Nationally, there was an increase of 12 percent in the number of Hispanic public school students receiving 3 or higher on their AP Exams, and an increase of 13 percent in the number of AP Exams taken by Hispanic public school students receiving a score of 3 or higher.
Black/African American Students
- Of states with significant Black/African American student populations, Maryland had the highest percent increase in the number of Black/African American students taking AP Exams--36 percent in all schools and 41 percent in public schools. Nationally, Black/African American student participation in AP increased 13 percent at all schools and 14 percent in public schools.
- Of states with significant Black/African American student populations, Maryland had the highest percent increase in the number of exams taken by Black/African American students--45 percent. Nationally, the number of exams taken by Black/African American students increased 15 percent.
- Of states with significant Black/African American student populations, Maryland had the highest percentage increase in the number of Black/African American public school students receiving a score of 3 or higher on an AP Exam--28 percent. Nationally, there was an increase of nine percent in the number of Black/African American public school students receiving 3 or higher on their AP Exams.