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Board reviews AP results; trustees debate AP versus dual-enrollment balance
Summary
Presenters showed that 425 students were registered for 767 AP exams and that 42% of AP exams scored 3 or higher; trustees pressed for more supports after noting some subjects have low pass rates and discussed whether dual enrollment should be expanded where AP outcomes are weak.
Shawn Lane and Dr. Maricela Favilla presented an overview of Advanced Placement offerings at Santa Paula High School, saying the district ordered exams for 425 students totaling 767 exams and reported a 42% pass rate (score of 3 or higher) across exams. Dr. Favilla provided a course-by-course breakdown: for example, biology 26%, calculus 26%, physics 10%, drawing 80%, Spanish language and literature 100% (per slides), and statistics 0% for the year reported.
Trustees raised concerns about courses with very low pass rates and asked whether poor outcomes indicate teaching or preparation issues. Dr. Favilla and other staff noted AP courses expose students to college-level rigor and that passing the AP exam is not the sole measure of success. Presenters said study sessions and test-prep are offered (including Saturday schools) and that increased participation in AP over five years coincides with a larger testing population.
Board members and staff also discussed dual enrollment as an alternative or complement to AP. Melissa and other presenters said community-college dual enrollment (CCAP) grants students permanent college transcript grades and depend on articulation agreements and college partnerships; AP credit is awarded based on exam performance and the district pays exam fees from LCAP funds (noting some onetime grant funding expires in June). Trustees suggested the board examine the balance of AP and dual-enrollment offerings and requested more analysis as master scheduling and declining enrollment force trade-offs.
The board did not adopt policy changes on AP or dual enrollment at the meeting; trustees asked staff to supply more detailed data and to consider student supports and scheduling trade-offs in upcoming planning.
