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The good news keeps coming for Maryland public education: For the seventh straight year, state public high school students ranked first in the country in their Advancement Placement scores.
In Maryland, the percentage of graduating seniors earning a score of 3 or higher on one or more AP exams rose to 29.6 in 2012, the highest percentage in the nation and an increase over the 27.9 percent mark for 2011, according to the College Board's "Annual AP Report to the Nation."
Earlier this year, the state’s public school system retained its No. 1 position in Education Week’s annual national rankings for a fifth straight year.
"On behalf of the College Board, I want to thank the state's leadership for its vision, determination, and courage," said College Board president David Coleman in a statement. "One of the greatest challenges for educators over the next few years will be to ensure excellence and equity at the heights of academic achievement, and Maryland is well ahead of the game."
Last year, College Board had reported that Maryland led the nation for four straight years in AP scores, but that determination was revised recently when state enrollment data from the past decade was recalulated.
Gov. Martin O’Malley praised the choices by made by state lawmakers in funding public education as well as the efforts by educators, students and parents.
“The most important investments we make as a people are investments in public education. Even in the toughest times, we’ve chosen to increase school funding 45 percent since 2006, O’Malley said in a press release. “Those investments are giving our principals, our teachers and our students the resources to continue to lead the nation in graduation rates, student achievement and the highest participation rate in AP science, technology, engineering and math exams in our state’s history.”
From College Board:
Top 10 States in Percentage of 2012 Public High School Graduates Succeeding on AP Exam
- Maryland (29.6%)
- New York (28.0%)
- Massachusetts (27.9%)
- Florida (27.3%)
- Virginia (27.2%)
- Connecticut (26.9%)
- Maine (24.8%)
- California (24.7%)
- Colorado (24.2%)
- Vermont (22.8%)
