The number of Carroll County students taking Advanced Placement tests has soared in recent years, but the number of those passing the test has continued to drop.
Last year, 2,324 students took an AP exam, nearly three and a half times the amount that took one during the 2002-03 school year. Meanwhile, the number of students enrolled in an AP course nearly doubled to 3,676. However, 62 percent of the exam takers scored a 3 or better, down from 71 percent four years ago.
Greg Bricca, director of research and accountability, said the dip in passing grades is due to the boost in the number of test takers.
“We are not going out saying our goal is to have students making 3 or better,” he said. “That?s a bit counterproductive. If the student is waffling, and the teacher says the goal is [higher scores], why would the teacher encourage that kid to take the test?”
The real measurement is how many students take the test, which signals a confidence in the advanced course, Bricca said.
Assistant Superintendent Lorraine Fultonagreed that school officials needed to encourage more students to enroll in the classes and follow through with the exam.
The other goal is for more students to pass, Fulton said. The school needs to provide additional resources, such as coaching, after-school help or mentoring, she said.
School officials also will continue training teachers to take on these “rigorous classes,” she said.
At a School Board meeting Aug. 9, board members lauded schools that saw a boost in test-takers, but cautioned more can be done.
