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Florida Ranks High In Advanced Placement Exams

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By ADAM EMERSON | The Tampa Tribune

Published: February 4, 2009

Florida continues to outperform the national average on most measures of success on Advanced Placement exams, according to data released today.
The state ranked higher than all but three states in the percentage of high school seniors who took the high-caliber exams, according to the College Board, which administers the Advanced Placement program.
The state's students also exceed the national average of seniors who pass the exam. While about 15 percent nationally received a score of 3 or higher – a mark the College Board says is predictive of college success – Florida's percentage is 18.2.
"Performing well on an AP Exam is more than just the completion of a rigorous course," said Gaston Caperton, the College Board's president. "It is the bridge to college success, which includes graduating on time."
Florida, though, continues to show mixed results among its minority students.
While Hispanic students make up 22 percent of all the state's students, they represent nearly 25 percent of students who took the AP exam, according to the College Board's report.
A gap persists among black students, however. Black students make up 20.6 percent of all students, but only 12 percent of those who took the AP exam.

Reporter Adam Emerson can be reached at (813) 259-8285.

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