Passing rates on Advanced Placement tests are rising in every state and nationally, with 13 percent of all students earning a 3 or better on at least one test. New York leads the pack with more than 20 percent, while Maryland, Utah, Florida, and California are close behind. Since there is research suggesting that passing AP tests is a good predictor of college success, this is good news. In fact, Virginia Governor Mark Warner, head of the National Governors Association, has made increasing AP passing rates a top priority for that group this year. But the passing rate data show a significant achievement gap between whites and Asians on the one hand and blacks and Hispanics on the other. Moreover, as the proportion of high-school graduates with AP passing scores rises, more and more colleges are declining to confer academic credit for this accomplishment. In time, this former mark of distinction may not amount to much.
"Advanced Placement test success is rising, but blacks trail peers," by Ben Feller, Associated Press, January 26, 2005
"New York tops Advanced Placement tests," by Susan Saulny, New York Times, January 26, 2005 (registration required)
"Students test well for a future in college," by Madelaine Jerousek, Des Moines Register, January 26, 2004
"Maryland second in AP scores; Virginia school on top," by George Archibald, Washington Times, January 26, 2005