Regional News

Washington Continues to Top Most States in Participation and Success on Advanced Tests


Mar 27, 2019

Washington state continues to outperform the national average when it comes to students taking—and passing—Advanced Placement (AP) exams.

The AP program allows students to take rigorous college-level courses while still in high school. By passing AP exams, students may earn college credit or placement into upper-level college courses.

In 2018, nearly one in four Washington students took an AP class and scored a 3 or higher, the score generally required to receive college credit for a course. Expanded access to AP programs across the state are largely to thank, as the percentage of all students who took an AP Exam in high school has risen nearly 13 percent over the past 10 years.

This growth also translates to cost savings for families. The College Board estimates the college credit earned by students passing Advanced Placement tests has saved Washington families nearly $58 million on tuition in 2018 alone.

In recent years, the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) has pinpointed dual credit programs such as Advanced Placement as a place where state efforts can focus on closing opportunity gaps among Washington students.

Data show this is having an impact, especially for students of color. Over the past 10 years, the percentage of students of color scoring a 3 or higher on AP exams has risen.

“Dual credit opportunities like AP are one of the indicators we use to ensure students are on track to graduation,” said Chris Reykdal, Superintendent of Public Instruction. “We are encouraged by the growth in the number of students of color accessing AP courses and passing the exams as we continue working to close opportunity gaps in Washington state.”


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