Utah Students Outperform Nation on AP Tests

None by Jeff Robinson

Ranked 9th in Overall Passing Rate

(KCPW News) New data from the College Board shows that Utah students performed better on advanced placement tests last school year than students in most other states. Mark Peterson with the State Office of Education says the passing rate was higher than the national average in all subjects - except foreign language.

Utah's overall passing rate ranked ninth in the nation, with students being eligible to earn college credit on nearly two-thirds of the more than 22,000 tests they took.

But Black, Hispanic and Native American students were underrepresented in the number of test takers. Hispanic test takers accounted for 3.5 percent less than their total representation in the student population. However, Peterson says there is some good news on that front. Hispanic participation has increased by 50 percent over the last five years.

Park City High School had the highest participation rate, while Davis High School had the highest passing rate. To listen to a conversation with Mark Peterson from the State Office of Education, download today's Midday Metro Podcast.

Email to a friendPosted in KCPW Newsroom. Copyright 2009 KCPW