West Chester Area School District staff presented district AP program results and course offerings at the Teaching, Learning and Equity Committee meeting on Oct. 13, reporting higher AP exam score distributions in the most recent year and promising participation in the AP Capstone program.

"In total, 76% of the exam results were scored at a 3 or higher" in the 2023–24 school year and "85% of the exam results were scored at a 3 or higher" in 2024–25, said Dr. Zigmund, the presenter (data released by the district from College Board reports). He noted AP exams are scored 1–5 and that colleges and universities determine whether a particular score qualifies for credit.

The presentation described three pathways for students to earn college credit: the Advanced Placement program administered by the College Board, a dual‑enrollment partnership the presenter identified with Westchester University, and concurrent enrollment arrangements with Westchester University and the University of Pittsburgh that allow students to earn college credit locally with district teachers. The presenter said credit availability remains at the discretion of postsecondary institutions.

Staff displayed a district list of AP courses across eight departments and described AP Capstone offerings. The district reported 21 students completed the two‑year AP Capstone program at Ruston High School last year; staff described Capstone as a cohort program culminating in student research projects.

The presenter cautioned that College Board reports reflect only students who took AP exams (not the full set of students who access AP coursework) and that some students who take AP courses do not sit for the exam for reasons such as college policies limiting accepted AP credits. The presenter said the district is using College Board tools — including the AP potential report (based on PSAT/SAT scores) — to identify students likely to earn a 3+ and to expand access.

Committee members requested disaggregated demographic data and trend comparisons (race, gender, and free/reduced lunch or income bands) to assess equity and year‑to‑year changes; staff said they will return in November with disaggregated AP and dual/concurrent enrollment data when those data are finalized. "We can pull that historic data for an update next month," the presenter said.

No decisions or votes were taken at this meeting; the presentation was informational and staff said they will provide additional disaggregated reports at the Nov. 10 committee meeting.