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Plano ISD reports growth in AP, dual credit and new OnRamps pilot as part of CCMR push
Summary
District staff reported increases in Advanced Placement participation, growth in dual-credit enrollment, expanded college-prep courses and a new OnRamps pilot; staff also announced districtwide TSIA testing for sophomores and work to boost PSAT/SAT readiness.
Plano ISD staff delivered a midyear update on college, career and military readiness (CCMR) and advanced-placement (AP) programming at the March 25 board work session, reporting year-to-year growth in several college-readiness measures and outlining new programs to expand access.
Lisa Wilson, deputy superintendent for teaching, learning and life readiness, introduced Dr. Kevin Moore, director of advanced academics, who reviewed multiple initiatives: embedding college-preparatory coursework into senior-year English 4 (an overlay with Texas College Bridge), expanding access to dual-credit and AP coursework, piloting University of Texas OnRamps coursework (pilot year in U.S. History with planned expansion to college algebra and biology), and implementing TSIA testing for all sophomores in the English portion to expand dual-credit eligibility. Moore said college-prep enrollment has tripled after the English overlay, and dual-credit enrollments are expected to increase after spring semester data are finalized with Collin College.
Staff reviewed assessment and support work. All ninth graders took the PSAT 8/9 and all sophomores took the PSAT NMSQT; results show mixed changes districtwide with math remaining an area of concern in some cohorts. The district also offered SAT boost camps, a superintendent scholars program, guidance for counselors via SchoolLinks to track CCMR progress, and translated toolkits for families. Staff noted CCMR accountability is a lagging indicator: accountability reports reflect prior-year graduates, so program changes implemented now will be visible in later accountability cycles.
OnRamps, a dual-enrollment model delivered by a district teacher using university curricula and assessments, was piloted in U.S. history this year and has strong interest for expansion. Staff said OnRamps stretches college content across a full high-school year and can make college credit attainable for students who might otherwise not see dual enrollment as an option. Questions from trustees included whether the district would cover dual-credit fees; staff said the district subsidizes economically disadvantaged students in some cases and continues full coverage for collegiate-academy students but has no plan to underwrite dual credit costs systemwide.
Trustees asked about communicating PSAT results and about using free practice tools such as Khan Academy and the College Board’s BigFuture app. Staff said they will bring further CCMR data (including TSIA results and expanded CTE measures) at a future board meeting.
