Thursday, March 28, 2024

Carroll ISD's AP Program Shows Upward Growth

The Advanced Placement program in Carroll Independent School District continues to grow both in the number of Advanced Placement (AP) exams being administered as well as increasing the scores on the AP exams taken.

The total number of exams administered to Carroll students in grades 9-12 in 2013 was 1,741. While the number of students participating in AP courses continues to grow, Carroll ISD has also been able to increase the overall number of students scoring a three or higher on the exam.

Because Carroll has been able to show growth in both participation and growth in the overall scores, Carroll ISD has been awarded the AP Honor Roll distinction for the past four years. Receiving this award is truly an honor because a total of 477 school districts across the 50 states in the U. S. and six Canadian provinces achieved the honor roll status. In the state of Texas, only 14 districts received this honor.

“We applaud the extraordinary efforts of the devoted teachers and administrators in these 539 districts, who are fostering rigorous work worth doing. These educators have not only expanded student access to AP course work, but they have enabled more of their students to achieve on a college level—which is helping to create a strong college‐going culture,” said College Board President, David Coleman.

Out of the thirty one exams offered through College Board, Carroll students participated in twenty nine of those exams. Participation greatly increased in many courses including: Biology, Calculus AB and BC, Chemistry, Macro Economics, English Language and Literature, U. S. Government and Politics, Human Geography, Physics B, Spanish Language, U. S. History and World History. According to College Board, the AP program benefits students because success on AP exams is a strong predictor of a student’s ability to persist in college and earn a bachelor’s degree within a four year time period or less.

Of students who have taken two or more AP courses, 61 percent of those students are completing their bachelor’s degrees in four years or less. Only 29 percent of students who enroll in college without having taken AP courses are completing their bachelor’s degrees on schedule. Carroll ISD is fortunate to have some of the best AP teachers in the nation.

“Our AP teachers are some of the most skilled, dedicated and inspiring teachers in the nation,” said Gina Peddy, Advanced Academics Coordinator for the district. “These teachers work hard to create an atmosphere that is engaging to students and allows students to think creatively to solve problems.” Peddy said that the Curriculum and Instruction Department has worked with teachers to create a curriculum that is aligned to the College and Career Readiness standards.

“When our students leave CISD, they are prepared for college,” Peddy said. “Over the summer, teachers have worked together to review the curriculum, create common assessments, and incorporate more writing skills in all courses. In Carroll ISD, we are committed to academic excellence and providing an environment that promotes critical thinking. I believe our AP scores are a good indicator that we are being successful.”

Click here to see Carroll ISD’s AP scores.

An image of a family bowling and dining

Photo of a solar eclipse