Update:The Baltimore Sun has more detail on the continuing racial gap in achievement even as Maryland leads in improvement by African Americans on AP exams.
From a press release issued by State Superintendent of Schools Nancy Grasmick:
Dear Friend of Maryland Education:
I have more great news to share! The College Board just announced that Maryland public education scored yet another NUMBER ONE National Ranking.
For the third year in a row, Maryland leads the nation in the percentage of seniors who earned a score of 3 or higher on one or more Advanced Placement (AP) exams in 2010. A score of 3 or better is considered “college mastery” level and many colleges and universities award college credit for high school students scoring in that range.
Maryland also ranked first in the nation in the percentage of graduating seniors who had taken AP exams in the mathematics and sciences disciplines. Maryland placed second to Florida in the total percentage of seniors completing an AP exam (43.4 percent to Florida’s 43.5).
In recognizing Maryland’s achievement, College Board President Gaston Caperton said, “Maryland students are rising to the challenge set by educators across the state and, as a result, more students graduate high school armed with the tools to succeed in college and beyond.”
High standards and quality programs drive success in our high schools. By providing our children with a strong classroom experience, such as an AP course, we give them a rocksolid foundation for future learning and growth.
I am so very proud of our local superintendents, educators, and students. Their combined efforts are putting Maryland education at the top of the class and making us the envy of other states. The College Board announcement follows last month’s news that Maryland schools ranked first in the nation for the third straight year by Education Week, the nation’s leading education newspaper.
A strong education system leads to an even stronger State economy. Maryland’s Number One AP ranking for the third straight year solidifies that Maryland is definitely the place to live, work, and receive a high-quality education that prepares our students for the 21st century and the workforce.
Sincerely,
Nancy S. Grasmick
State Superintendent of Schools
