A record number of Tennessee public school students took Advanced Placement (AP) exams and earned high scores during the 2005-06 school year, according to data from The College Board. The number of Tennessee public school students taking AP exams increased 11.2 percent in the 2005-06 school year from 2004-05 and the number of AP exams taken increased 11.9 percent. Scores of 3, 4 or 5 – typically the scores required to earn college credit – increased more than 10 percent from last year.
“I am committed to keeping education our number one priority and upgrading the high school experience for every student in Tennessee,” said Governor Phil Bredesen. “Academically, AP courses prepare high school students for the rigor required to succeed in college. With more students taking AP courses and more of them scoring in the range required to receive college credit, I feel we are clearly moving in that direction.”
“Offering a challenging curriculum is crucial for keeping students engaged and preparing a skilled workforce,” Education Commissioner Lana Seivers said. “These numbers underscore Tennessee’s strides in providing more students access to high-level course work. Furthermore, students are completing the courses well-prepared and with a significant head start for college. Financially, students have the opportunity to fulfill college requirements tuition-free.”
Roughly, 81,000 Tennessee students were enrolled in AP courses during the 2005-06 school year, up from fewer than 54,000 three years ago. The greatest increase in AP exam participation in Tennessee was among African American students (29.3 percent) and Hispanic students (25.6 percent). The exams most frequently taken by Tennessee students during the 2005-06 school year included U.S. history, English, calculus, biology and European history.
The number of AP courses offered in Tennessee public schools has increased nearly 50 percent since 2003. AP exams are scored on a 1 to 5 scale, with 3 considered the minimum score to pass. While the policy varies by institution, students typically earn college credit for a score of 4 or 5, and often receive credit for a score of 3.
Under Governor Bredesen’s leadership, Tennessee has increased opportunities for high school students to earn post-secondary credit. This year, 650 students earned six hours college credit by attending one of the nine Governor’s schools. Tennessee also has more than 40 articulation agreements with various higher education institutions that allow high school students to take dual-enrollment courses. Students earn college credit for these classes while meeting high school graduation requirements. More than 3,700 Tennessee students were enrolled in dual enrollment courses in the fall of 2005.

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