NEWS RELEASE

Release Date: August 25, 2009

Contact: Pete Smith, Director of Communications, 601-359-1336

Mississippi students improve Advanced Placement performance

Jackson, Miss. - The College Board reported that 32 percent of Mississippi's public school students earned a three or higher on Advanced Placement Program® (AP®) examinations in 2009. That is a five percent increase over 2008. A three on AP exams is generally the minimum requirement to receive college credit for the course.

"These results are good news for Mississippi's students," Interim State Superintendent of Education Dr. John W. Jordan said. "Advanced Placement Program courses represent the rigorous type of courses that all our students should be taking as a part of their high school experience."

The number of AP exams taken by Mississippi's students was 6,887 in 2009, a slight decrease from 6,984 in 2008.

Other statistics released in the report include:

• 1,496 black or African American students took at least one AP Exam in 2008-09.

• 2,883 white students took least one AP Exam in 2008-09.

• 59% of AP exams were taken by female students.

"It appears that we are seeing some benefits from law enacted by the legislature in 2006 requiring that all teachers of Advanced Placement courses receive training," Deputy Superintendent of Instructional Programs and Services Dr. Kristopher Kaase said. "It is good to see our students rising to the rigorous challenge of AP courses. With the hard work of teachers and students, we hope to see continued improvement in student performance on AP exams."