Advance Placement scores for Calcasieu Parish students show increase
Published 9:30 am Saturday, November 11, 2023
- (American Press Archives)
For the fourth year in a row, Advanced Placement (AP) scores amongst Calcasieu Parish high school students have increased.
At the end of October, the Louisiana Department of Education released the AP results for the 2022-23 school year. Out of the almost 900 Calcasieu Parish high school students that took AP tests – a total of 1247 AP exams – during the 2022-23 school year, 57 percent scored a three or higher. This places the Calcasieu Parish school district in the top five districts in the state for the percentage of students who passed with a three or higher, according to Holly Holland, public information officer, CPSB.
Additionally, the number of CPSB students that scored the highest possible score – a five – increased by 42 percent.
Lorri Caldwell, director of advanced studies, attributed part of the success of CPSB AP students to AP mock exams. In Spring 2023, AP students were able to participate in mock exams for the first time since 2019. These exams allowed students to refine their test taking skills, and were given “authentic feedback for areas of improvement,” she said.
In addition to the mock exams, students were academically supported with “rigorous curriculum” and the opportunity to take subject-specific exam workshops.
CPSB Superintendent Shannon LaFargue said in a release that the academic progress of the district is “outstanding.”
“These AP scores are a true reflection of the hard work and dedication of our students and our staff. The student growth we are experiencing leaves us very excited for what’s ahead here in Calcasieu Parish.”
Students that pass the AP exams with a score of three and higher earn college credit, and are recognized with AP Scholar status by the College Board.
Caldwell said that the number of students entering AP coursework during their freshman year is increasing, which should continue to bolster scores over time. For the 2022-23 school year, CPSB was in the top ten in the state for the number of students that took AP exams and the number of exams administered, Holland said.
