Texas Students Below National Average

WASHINGTON, May 1, 2008 - Out of all 50 states and the District of Columbia, Vermont experienced the largest one-year and five-year increases in the percentage of its student population who scored 3 or higher on at least one AP Exam. Student who earn a 3 for highter on an AP Exam are consider good candidates to college level insruction.

Two other states in New England, Maine and New Hampshire, experienced significant five-year increases in their students’ performance. Also noteworthy are Massachusetts and Connecticut, both of which appear in the list of top ten states with the largest percentage of seniors scoring at least one AP grade of 3 or higher during their high school careers.

Credit for these successes goes to educators at all levels for preparing students across grades 6–12 for the rigors of college-level AP course work. Educators and policymakers in the region have worked collaboratively to foster access to AP courses among students in rural and urban areas, increase participation of low-income students in courses preceding AP, provide teachers with opportunities for professional development, and support a stronger articulation of middle and high school education through vertical teaming.

States with the greatest % of graduating seniors scoring 3+ on an AP Exam in high school

1. New York (23.4%)

2. Maryland (22.4%)

3. Virginia (21.5%)

4. Florida (20.3%)

4. Massachusetts (20.3%)

6. Connecticut (20.1%)

7. Vermont (19.9%)

8. California (19.7%)

9. Utah (19.5%)

10. Colorado (19.2%)

From 2002 to 2007 the number of Texas students who scored 3 or better increased by 3.5% from 11.7% to 14.5%. Even with this increase Texas students rank below the national average of 15.2%.