Louisiana education officials say the number of high school students in the state taking tough Advanced Placement tests increased this year—and the percentage earning scores that qualify for college credit is up, as well.
The state education department says the number of AP tests taken grew from 21,180 in 2014 to 24,145 this year, The Associated Press reports. The number earning college credit qualifying scores jumped from 6,410 to 7,703—an increase of nearly 1,300. It was a 20% increase in the number of test-takers earning qualifying scores from 2014 to 2015. And, the department says, the number of qualifying scores increased 89% since 2012.
At a news conference this afternoon, state Education Superintendent John White touted increased participation and more qualifying scores on AP exams by African-American students.
“Today’s results are further evidence that Louisiana’s students are as smart and as capable as any in America,” White says in a prepared statement. “The momentum in our high schools is undeniable. More students are taking challenging courses. More students are passing challenging tests. More students are going to college. This means life opportunity for thousands of young people and a more prosperous future for our great state.”
