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Burke County reports strong growth in AP participation and qualifying scores
Summary
District staff reported increases in AP course-taking and qualifying AP scores after targeted teacher development; staff estimated more than $500,000 in potential college-credit savings for families and described expansion of NCSSM Connect enrollments.
Burke County Public Schools officials told the board the district has seen sustained growth in Advanced Placement participation and qualifying exam scores after several years of targeted teacher development.
Dr. Abernathy presented statewide and local AP trends, showing increases in the number of AP courses taken and in the share of exam scores of 3–5 (qualifying scores for many North Carolina public universities). District-level AP participation rose substantially since 2021, and staff said professional development and stronger counselor/principal outreach helped increase both enrollment and performance.
Officials quantified student-level outcomes and an estimated family cost savings: staff reported 585 qualifying AP scores in the last year, yielding an estimated 1,755 potential college credits valued at about $1,092.46 per credit and a calculated savings of approximately $513,267 for families when translated to the cost of college credit.
Mrs. Kirkpatrick described the high-school registration and cross-enrollment process used to make AP and other courses available, and noted that AP teachers complete College Board training and receive local and external professional development. She said the district does not provide the $50 stipend paid to teachers for each student earning a 3–5; that stipend is disbursed externally and appears in January when scores are released.
On partnerships, staff highlighted the NCSSM (North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics) Connect program as a tuition-free online opportunity that expanded local access after the district changed delivery to allow students to take classes at their home schools. Enrollment in NCSSM Connect from Burke County rose from low double digits to more robust participation after the change.
What happens next: Staff will continue AP professional development efforts and will provide registration and enrollment numbers at upcoming allotment meetings to guide course offerings for the next academic year.
