AP Participation and Performance on the Rise

GCS continues trend of record increases in the number of students taking AP exams

Contact: Haley Miller (336) 370-3200
Created: 9/1/2009 9:54:06 AM

In 2009, Guilford County Schools (GCS) students took 9,470 Advanced Placement (AP) exams, a 7.6 percentage point increase over the number of exams taken in 2008. Additionally, the number of students taking AP exams has risen. In 2009, 4,906 students took AP exams. In 2008, 4,580 students took the exams.

GCS student participation and performance has continued to increase steadily. The most recent AP data reflects sustained improvement for the district. Since 2005, the number of AP exams taken by GCS students and the number of students taking exams have increased by nearly 30 percent.

“We are pleased with the progress,” said Guy Ferguson, AP, International Baccalaureate (IB) and SAT coordinator. “GCS has a tradition of promoting rigor in the classroom, not just for our best students, but for all.”

The district’s percentage of exam scores of three or higher increased 2.2 percent in 2009. Success on an AP exam is defined by the College Board as a score of three or higher on a scale of five. Research shows that scores of three, four and five are predictive of college success and college graduation. Also, colleges and universities typically accept AP scores of three or better for class placement or credit.

Ferguson explained that GCS is encouraging all students to take more AP courses and exams, despite changes recently approved by the Guilford County Board of Education. GCS used to pay for every AP test taken, but now parents will be required to pay for 25 percent of the exams. GCS will pay 50 percent, while Businesses for Excellence in Education will pay the remaining 25 percent. Students who are on free and reduced lunch will continue to take the exam for free as their exams are paid for by the College Board and the N.C. Department of Public Instruction.

“AP classes are excellent opportunities for students to challenge themselves and are the primary way to provide Advanced Learners with appropriate levels of work in high school,” Ferguson said. “We are encouraging students to take more AP courses and exams because we know the classes help prepare students for higher education.”

To view the district’s report on AP exams, click on the link below.

http://www.gcsnc.com/09_10news/2009AP_report.pdf

To leave feedback, a comment or a suggestion on this press release, click here.

To watch the lastest news break from GCSTV 2, click here.

More Headlines

Recap of American Education Week Southeast High and Southeast Middle Building Advisory Meeting Southeast Alumnus Named National College Swimmer of the Week Board of Education Meeting - Canceled Governor Bev Perdue Visits Grimsley High Advanced Learning Department Seeks Feedback through Survey Guilford County Schools Celebrates American Education Week Vandalia Students Fight Hunger with Wall of Cans Murphey Teachers Bring Storybook Characters to Life GCS Celebrates American Indian Heritage Month

Back to District News

About Guilford County Schools

Guilford County Schools is the third largest school district in North Carolina serving more than 71,000 students at 120 schools. With approximately 10,000 employees, the district’s mission is to graduate responsible citizens prepared to succeed in higher education or the career of their choice. 

Guilford County Schools is a national leader in providing specialized schools and instructional programs designed to meet the educational needs of a culturally diverse citizenship.  For more information, visit the district’s Web site at www.gcsnc.com.