The Chicago Sun Times reported that Advanced Placement ( AP ) testing is up 108% for the Public Schools District from 2004 to 2008. One reason is students are realizing the importance of taking and getting credit for AP classes. It can help reduce the overall cost of their college education. It also will help them get ready for college by taking college prep classes and let them get a look at subjects that interest them before college enrollment.
The trend is up nationally for AP testing but the Chicage Public Schools are excited that their students seem to be agressively trying to improve their college entrance opportunities. This district had seen dropping student grade and performances but now they hope that they are trending upwards.
This trend is seen in other schools districts and as teachers we should be happy that students are looking at additional educational opportunities. Many students are able to start their freshmen year with as many as 30 to 45 credited hours of college work.
