LTHS Advanced Placement set all-time record highs

Exactly 700 Lyons Township High School students took more than 1,400 Advanced Placement exams last May, and an astounding 93% of them received a score of a 3 or higher, setting two all-time highs for the largest number of tests taken and the largest number of test takers in the history of LT. In addition, 71% of the tests taken received a 4, and 37% of tests earned a 5, the highest possible score.

       Students that receive college credit as a result of the AP score, usually by scoring a 3 or higher, have an opportunity to accelerate not only the pace at which they can take advanced courses but also may finish college early, potentially saving thousands of dollars in tuition.

        In total, 700 LT students took 1,405 exams, nearly double the amount from a decade ago, when just 380 students took 753 tests.

        Research indicates that AP students have better four-year [college] graduation rates than those who did not take AP. For example, graduation rates for AP English Literature students were 62 percent higher than graduation rates for those who took other English courses in high school, according to Linda Hargrove, Donn Godin, and Barbara Dodd, 2008. In addition, AP course work is viewed favorably by colleges; 85% of selective colleges and universities report that a student’s AP experience favorably impacts admissions, according to Crux Research, March 2007. Finally, the College Board reports that AP classes can potentially make college more affordable, with over 90% of 4-year colleges in the U.S. providing credit and/or advanced placement for qualifying scores.

        District 204 has renewed its commitment to improving the academic achievements of all students with an action plan for improving standardized test scores, including Advanced Placement. The district will work to create a climate where students are encouraged to enroll in at least one AP class prior to graduation. The goal is for 60% of the Class of 2017 to take at least one AP class prior to graduation, with half of those students taking at least one AP exam, and 45% of those that take the exam scoring a 3 or higher.

       Director of Curriculum and Instruction Scott Eggerding said, “Research supports the fact that AP classes help high school students prepare for the rigors of college and may help in regard to college admission, graduation and tuition. Our goal of encouraging more students to take an AP class before they graduate high school is not to encourage those students who already enroll in AP to take more; rather, the goal is to challenge those students who routinely perform well in their classes to stretch their academic range by enrolling in and taking at least one AP course so they can be better prepared for college.”

       Eggerding added that, “We continue to see a rise in the number students accessing LT’s AP Program and the rigors of college-level coursework. Even as the number of tests administered climbs, the percent of tests earning passing scores remains constant, which is a testament to the quality or our program and impressive work of our students and teachers. LT students are equipped to succeed.”

       AP exams were offered in 25 disciplines, each consisting of multiple-choice, essay, or problem-solving questions. AP exams are graded on a 1-5 point scale (5 is the highest).  Many of the nation's colleges and universities award credit and/or placement for grades of 3 or higher, and may award one year of credit to students with a sufficient number of qualifying grades.

        The district is committed to continuing this upward trend with its ongoing district-wide goal to increase opportunities for all students to maximize their performance on high stakes tests. Superintendent Dr. Timothy Kilrea says, "LT’s challenge is to provide rigorous experiences for all students. We will continue to meet the needs of all students, intervene early when necessary and provide enrichment when appropriate so that all students reach their academic potential.”