New findings from the College Board show more Delaware public school students are excelling in Advanced Placement exams.
Following the increase in performance, Gov. Jack Markell (D) championed the value of AP classes at Dover High School on Wednesday.
“I know these are hard classes, but at the end of the day you get out of it what you put into it and challenging yourself in high school can make a huge difference in terms of how you set yourself up for the future,” said Markell, addressing an AP class at Dover High.
At least 200 more students took the Advanced Placement exam in Delaware in the 2015 to 2016 school year, compared to the year before. Of all the exams taken, roughly 490 more were marked with a passing grade of 3 or higher (on a 5-point scale).
Dover High saw an increase in enrollment in AP courses by 19 percent. The amount of students who scored a 3 or higher increased by 6 percent. Some AP classes that saw an increase in enrollment included calculus, chemistry and computer science.
Secretary of Education Steven Godowsky said his department has always focused on the importance of setting high standards for students. And the latest AP test scores are proof of that.
“There's been a focus on the importance of high standards, high expectations, and so kids (are) taking honors classes and then AP courses fits that model perfectly, so we’re challenging more kids with exciting, rich curriculum in AP courses,” Godowsky said.
He added that higher test scores have set the bar for success in high school, college and the workforce in the First State.
“It also brings, I think, to the school, a climate of achievement,” Godowsky said. “And I think that’s important. We want to look at that more kids are involved - it just creates an environment for learning.”
