Steady growth for Advanced Placement in Wisconsin

2011 graduates are 'Best in the Midwest' for AP performance

Advanced Placement (AP) continues steady growth in Wisconsin public high schools and student performance both beats the nation and places Wisconsin as the best in the 13-state Midwest region, according to data in the Eighth Annual AP Report to the Nation.

Wisconsin had 17,280 graduates from the class of 2011 who took an AP exam while in high school. The number represents a 3.7 percent increase from the previous graduating class. With 19.4 percent of all state public school graduates earning scores of three or higher on their AP exams, Wisconsin topped the Midwest region for successful completion of AP exams. Nationally, 903,630 graduates took an AP exam in high school and 18.1 percent were successful on their exams.

"Congratulations to our 2011 graduates, their parents, teachers, and the school boards that supported the rigorous coursework that leads to AP success," said State Superintendent Tony Evers. "I am happy for our AP growth and success. However, several states have invested state funding to improve and expand their AP programs at a faster rate than Wisconsin. We must prioritize education and not cut it."

Wisconsin's growth in the percentage of graduates taking AP exams is accompanied by improved results. Ten years ago, 10.8 percent of high school graduates earned a score of three or higher on an AP exam. For the class of 2010, 18.3 percent earned a score of three to five on an AP exam. For 2011 graduates, 19.4 percent earned scores that qualify them for credit or advanced standing at most colleges and universities.

"Research shows that experience with advanced coursework through the AP program translates to improved college success," Evers stated. "Opportunities to take AP classes are not equally distributed across Wisconsin. Collaboration will be critical in providing these college experiences for our high school students. I encourage school districts to contact each other and share AP opportunities across school boundaries. Every student who wants an AP opportunity should have access to this accelerated coursework."

Additional information, including tables that provide background on Advanced Placement are in the complete news release. Maps from the College Board, showing Advanced Placement participation and performance for 2011 Wisconsin graduates by school district, are available online as well.

Last updated on 2/8/2012 5:10:10 PM