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Curator: Rose Kaspersen
Rose.Kaspersen@fcps.edu

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Monday, September 17, 2007

Scores, Number of AP Exams Continue to Climb in FCPS

Expanded access to Advanced Placement (AP) courses in Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) has resulted in students taking a greater number of AP classes, taking AP examinations earlier in their high school careers, and earning higher scores on these exams, according to data just released by FCPS Superintendent Jack D. Dale. 

As reported by the College Board, FCPS shows more than a 10 percent increase in the total number of AP exams taken by students from 2006 to 2007 and an overall increase of 35 percent in the number of tests taken since 2004.  In 2007, 28,597 exams were administered, up from 26,040 in 2006 (see Attachment 1).  The biggest jump—32 percent—occurred among ninth and tenth grade students, who took 2,920 exams in 2007, up from 2,210 in 2006. 

Along with the increase in the number of tests taken is a slight improvement in the percentage of exam scores of three or above to 67 percent in 2007, up from 66 percent in 2006 (see Attachment 1).  From 2006 to 2007, the percentage of scores at or above 3 improved for males, females, and all ethnic groups except Black students.  Many colleges offer college credit to students who score a 3, 4, or 5 on their AP exams.

 “AP test scores of three or higher are an indicator of our strong high school programs,” said Dale.  “We continue to encourage our high school students to challenge themselves with AP courses, and the numbers show they are doing so.  Student achievement and college readiness remain high

thanks to our hardworking students and our highly qualified and dedicated teachers,” said Dale.

Seven percent more eleventh grade students took the exams in 2007, up from 4,567 in 2006 to 4,874 in 2007. The number of twelfth grade students taking the AP exams increased by 11 percent from 4,893 in 2006 to 5,452 in 2007 (see Attachment 2).
   
Particular ethnic groups of students who indicated their ethnicity showed a steady rise in participation. The Asian student population experienced the largest one-year increase with an 18 percent jump from 2,626 in 2006 to 3,107 in 2007; the Hispanic population increased 13 percent from 813 to 921; the White student population increased 12 percent from 7,033 in 2006 to 7,861 in 2007; and participation by Black students has risen 6 percent from 574 to 609 students (see Attachment 3).

Additional Highlights
From 2006 to 2007:
  • The number of AP exams taken by Asian students has increased by 21 percent while the percentage achieving a 3 or higher on the exams has increased from 63 percent in 2006 to 66 percent in 2007.
  • While the number of Black students increased, the actual number of tests taken by Black students decreased slightly; the percentage achieving a 3 or higher on these exams decreased from 46 percent in 2006 to 44 percent in 2007.
  • Hispanic students’ number of tests taken increased 16 percent while the percentage achieving a 3 or higher on the exams increased from 60 percent to 61 percent.
  • The number of exams taken by White students increased by 13 percent from 2006 to 2007 while the percentage achieving a 3 or higher on the exams increased from 69 percent in 2006 to 70 percent in 2007.
  • The number of female students taking AP exams has increased by 11 percent while the percentage achieving a 3 or higher on the exams has risen from 64 percent in 2006 to 66 percent in 2007.
  • The number of male students taking the AP exams has increased by 8 percent while the percentage achieving a 3 or higher on the exams increased from 68 percent in 2006 to 70 percent in 2007.

Attachment 1 contains the mean score and number of tests taken and percent and number at or above 3 for 2004 through 2007 as reported by the College Board.
Attachment 2 contains the number and percent of students tested by grade level for 2004 through 2007 as reported by the College Board. 
Attachment 3 contains the number of students tested by ethnicity for 2004 through 2007 as reported by the College Board. 
Attachment 4 contains mean scores, percent at or above 3, and number of tests taken by subject for 2004 through 2007 as reported by the College Board. 

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Note: For more information, contact Kathy Oliver, director, FCPS Office of Student Testing, at 703-208-7776.