According to the MA DOE, “Massachusetts is the top state in the nation in terms of the percentage of the class of 2016 that scored a 3 or higher on an Advanced Placement exam, according to results that the College Board released today. In addition, the Commonwealth had the highest five- and ten-year growth in the percentage of graduates who scored a 3 or higher.”

Approximately, 44% of MA high schoolstudentstook, at least, one AP exam in 2106.That is a 4.1% increase inparticipation from 2015 and a 12.2% percent increase over 10 years ago.

According to the DOE, “Hispanic/Latino and black students continue to make gains in participation and performance. In 2006, Hispanic/Latino high school graduates had taken 1,576 AP exams; in 2016, they had taken 8,168. In 2006, Hispanic/Latino high school graduates had received scores of 3 or higher on 848 exams; in 2016, they had scored 3 or higher on 3,793 AP exams.

Black students also saw gains. In 2006, black high school graduates had taken 1,027 AP exams; in 2016, they had taken 4,211. In 2006, black high school graduates had received scores of 3 or higher on 407 exams; in 2016, they had scored 3 or higher on 1,428 AP exams.

Low-income members of Massachusetts’ class of 2016 also saw improvements in participation and success. In 2006, low-income high school graduates had taken 3,705 AP exams; in 2016, they had taken 19,621. In 2006, low-income high school graduates had received scores of 3 or higher on 1,684 exams; in 2016, they had scored 3 or higher on 9,090 AP exams.”

MA DOE. “Massachusetts Leads Nation in Advanced Placement Success.” 22 Feb. 2017.http://www.doe.mass.edu/news/news.aspx?id=24215

Norris, Will. “Massachusetts High Schoolers Rank First in Advanced Placement Scores.” Boston Magazine. 27 Feb. 2017.http://www.bostonmagazine.com/news/blog/2017/02/27/massachusetts-first-ap-scores-ranking/