Delaware Students Taking at Least One AP Course Outpaces Nation
--Nearly twenty-seven percent versus nation’s 25 percent--
(Dover, DE.) This morning, the College Board released its fifth annual “Report to the Nation” on Advanced Placement (AP) participation and performance data for all public high schools across the U.S. The report shows that nearly 27 percent of Delaware’s public high school class of 2008 took at least one AP exam during high school compared to 25 percent for rest of the country.
Percentage wise, Delaware students also took more AP exams than the rest of the nation in Math (Calculus, Computer Science and Statistics) and Social Science (Macroeconomics, Microeconomics, European History, Government and Politics, U.S. History, Geography, Psychology and World History). Participation in Art, English and Science was close to the same percentage as compared to the rest of the country.
In the area of AP “Equity and Excellence” which shows the percentage of the entire graduating class who scored a “3” or higher on at least one AP exam, 13.8 percent of Delaware’s graduating class earned a “3” or higher on one or more AP exams, compared to 15.2 percent for the rest of the nation. A score of ‘3’ or higher can be applied towards college credit at many colleges and universities across the country, thereby reducing family and student costs.
In comparing this year’s participation and performance results with 2007 and with 2003, the numbers continue to show progress. In 2008, 26.8% of Delaware students participated in AP with 13.8% earning a “3” or higher. Last year, 26.1% participated in AP with 13.8% earning a “3” or higher. Five years ago, the percentage of students participating in AP was 17.6% with 10.1% obtaining a “3” or higher.
In a five year period, from 2003-2008, the number of Delaware students who received a grade of “3 or higher on AP exams increased slightly. In 2008, 1,000 students received a “3” compared to 979 one year ago. In 2003, the number of students receiving a “3” was 690.
The ten most popular AP exams in Delaware for the class of 2008 were:
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Most Popular AP Exams in Delaware |
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Exam |
# of Exams |
“3” or Higher |
|
English Literature |
610 |
294 |
|
English Language |
574 |
297 |
|
U.S. History |
551 |
198 |
|
Government and Politics: U.S. |
485 |
166 |
|
Calculus AB |
481 |
280 |
|
Psychology |
470 |
254 |
|
Statistics |
373 |
201 |
|
Biology |
310 |
171 |
|
European History |
281 |
130 |
|
Chemistry |
231 |
110 |
The College Board partners with colleges and universities to create AP exams of college-level learning in 37 subject areas. Most colleges in the U.S. recognize AP exams in the admissions process as a sign of a student’s ability to succeed in rigorous higher education curricula. They also may award college credit or placement into a higher level college course so that college entrants can move directly into the courses that match their level of academic preparation for college.
For further information on the College Board report and programs, go to http://www.collegeboard.com/.
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Delaware's Department of Education is committed to promoting the highest quality education
for every Delaware student by providing visionary leadership and superior service.
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Contact Info.
Alison Kepner Delaware Department of Education 401 Federal Street, Suite #2 Dover, Delaware 19901 Phone: (302) 735-4035 Fax: (302) 739-4654 Email: akepner@doe.k12.de.us |
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