2007 Annual Meeting

Advanced Placement Program Update

Presenters: Elizabeth McKenzie- Southern Regional Office, College Board
Recorder: Cindy Wymer, Assistant Registrar, Milligan College

Ms. Elizabeth McKenzie provided an update of the Advanced Placement program administered by College Board. Based on statistics which show US students falling behind international comparative groups for college preparedness, Ms. McKenzie shared research which demonstrated that AP students represent a more motivated and/or prepared group and are more likely to graduate in 4 years whereas the average time to degree exceeds 5 years. While much caution should be exercised in interpreting AP’s impact, research continues to establish strong connections between AP and college success. In an effort to make requirements for designation as an AP course uniform, the College Board is currently auditing all 2007-08 courses that schools wish to label “AP” on students’ transcripts. AP teachers submit an AP course audit form and a syllabus for review by college/ university professors. Only qualifying courses receive legal authorization to use the “AP” designation. As of November 2007, the AP Course Audit ledger will be available on the College Board website to search authorized AP courses by state and school name. This will be updated as additional schools qualify to label their courses AP. Regarding use of AP credit at the university level, admissions officers use AP to determine college preparedness, student motivation, and for placement. 76% of surveyed department chairs either “favor” or “strongly favor” providing AP credit or placement to students.

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