During a recent government meeting, educators discussed the increasing trend of students opting out of Advanced Placement (AP) exams, despite their enrollment in AP courses. Concerns were raised by parents who reported that their children are choosing not to take the tests, primarily due to the perception that they will not receive college credit for their efforts.

The meeting highlighted the longstanding policy that mandates all students enrolled in AP courses to sit for the corresponding exams. This year, data presented showed a significant increase in student performance, with the percentage of students scoring 3 or higher on AP exams rising from 79% in 2023 to 85% in 2024.

Key takeaways from the discussion emphasized that overall student performance is strong, reflecting both academic achievement and growth. Incremental improvements were noted in New York State assessments, indicating a positive trend in educational outcomes. The meeting underscored the importance of addressing the reasons behind the opt-out trend to ensure that students continue to engage with AP courses and exams.