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Holliston committee discusses encouraging AP exam-taking, Seal of Biliteracy growth and financial supports
Summary
Committee members heard district staff describe rising AP participation and growth in the Seal of Biliteracy program, discussed whether to require students in AP classes to take the AP exam, and asked staff to study scholarship needs to cover exam fees.
Holliston Public Schools staff told the School Committee April 17 that increased Advanced Placement participation and Seal of Biliteracy growth are producing positive trends but raised implementation questions about exam-taking and financial support.
District presenters said AP course enrollments and AP Scholar recognitions increased in recent years and that AP exam participation is the single largest driver for several national rankings. They reported an increase in AP scholars (presentation slides cited roughly 40 AP Scholars and multiple levels of distinction) and said the high school’s rank on some national lists improved versus prior published cohorts.
Why it matters: Committee members and administrators discussed whether students enrolled in an AP course should be required to take the corresponding AP exam (or have the AP exam count in lieu of a final). Committee members expressed support for encouraging more students to take exams but cautioned that a requirement should be accompanied by a plan to cover fees for low-income students if the number of exam takers rises.
Details and committee questions
- Exam timing and schedule effects: Presenters noted Holliston’s trimester/term schedule can prevent students from taking AP exams at the conventional end-of-year time in some courses; the district plans a schedule change in 2026–27 that could let schools offer full-year courses and allow AP exams to be counted as finals in some cases.
- Cost and scholarships: A board member said taking multiple AP exams can cost families hundreds of dollars; members asked staff to research existing scholarship funds and estimate additional need if an AP-exam requirement is adopted. Staff said some local funds have paid exam fees historically but the committee should analyze capacity to scale.
- Participation and comparative rates: Presenters said that some nearby districts require earlier or broader AP participation; a cited comparative figure showed Hopkinton at about 81% of students taking at least one AP exam versus Holliston at about 64% (presentation slides). Committee members urged caution about mandating exams because a requirement might discourage enrollment in AP classes for some students.
- Seal of Biliteracy: Staff said the Seal of Biliteracy program has expanded; one presenter expected roughly 30 seniors to receive the honor this year versus 16 the prior year. Committee members noted a drop in French recipients in a particular year and asked staff to follow up with school language staff for a clearer breakdown.
Follow-up directions: Staff agreed to (a) return with a recommendation to the program-of-studies process if Mr. List (the high school principal) suggests a handbook change, (b) analyze current scholarship/funding available for exam fees and forecast additional need, and (c) include AP-exam-impact scenarios in future scheduling discussions.
Ending: Committee members signaled support for encouraging broader AP participation, asked staff for particulars on funding and implementation, and agreed the program-of-studies process and handbook timeline will control when any requirement could be implemented.
