Having an Advanced Placement program in the high school creates a stronger academic press for the students and higher expectations for student achievement. The ability of the district to be successful in this effort is related to its willingness to train its teaching staff and to establish a more rigorous curriculum. The means and effectiveness levels for enrollment, percent taking exams, and percent earning eligibility college credit are established for populations of high school Juniors and Seniors nationwide enrolled in AP classes. Enrollment The enrollment of Juniors and Seniors in Advanced Placement courses achieves effectiveness.
Percent Taking AP Exams The percent of juniors and seniors who took one or more AP exam achieved the effectiveness level in 2000-01. Juniors and seniors taking the AP exams represent 18.14% of the total student population in grades 9-12. All juniors and seniors enrolled in AP courses took one or more culminating exam at the end of the year.
Percent Eligible for College Credit The percent of junior and senior AP test-takers who were eligible for college credit by earning a 3, 4 or 5 on one or more AP exam was 37.18% in 2000-01. This figure is below the mean and effectiveness level for the cohort of similar student populations.
Overall Discussion It is commendable that enrollment in AP courses and the number of students taking exams reach the effectiveness level in the Elmwood Park Schools. It is further commendable that all students enrolled in AP courses took one or more of the culminating exams. These data indicate that interest in AP courses is high. However, the number of students scoring a 3, 4 or 5 on one or more exams is below the mean and effectiveness level for the cohort of similar student populations. Many factors could be involved in the lower rates of achievement on the exams. Among them is the possibility that Elmwood Park students are not adequately prepared for the rigorous examinations and high expectations for performance in the AP program. Evidence for this lack of preparation is the lower than expected test scores on the ITBS, and to some extent on the ISAT. Attention to the rigor and content of the AP curriculum, as well as the general curriculum, is merited.
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