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February 25, 2025
LANSING – Michigan high school students are increasing their participation in rigorous Advanced Placement (AP) courses and performing better on Advanced Placement exams, the Michigan Department of Education announced today.
The announcement comes upon today’s release of a report by the College Board about Advanced Placement participation and performance continuing to improve nationally.
“Improvements in participation in Advanced Placement courses and performance on Advance Placement exams mean that our high school graduates are better prepared for college and better positioned for rewarding and well-paying careers,” said State Superintendent Dr. Michael F. Rice.
In the last two years, Advanced Placement participation in Michigan has increased by 12.3%. During this period, participation increased by 28% for Black students, by 26% for Latino youth, and by 35% for economically disadvantaged students, all populations historically underrepresented in AP courses.
In the last two years, the percentage of students getting a score of 3, 4, or 5 on Advanced Placement exams—which means they are qualified, well-qualified, or extremely qualified, scores that often generate college credit—increased by 31 percent. The percentage of Black students scoring a 3, 4, or 5 increased by 101 percent and the percentage of Latino students earning a 3, 4, or 5 increased by 60 percent.
“Local school districts and the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) have worked to raise awareness among high school students and parents about the availability of and importance of Advanced Placement coursework, as well as other forms of rigor, such as dual enrollment,” Dr. Rice said. “In recent years, MDE has mailed letters to Michigan parents of high school students with PSAT scores that indicate the likelihood of success in AP coursework. AP classes provide students the opportunity to earn college credit while in high school.
“Our efforts to promote more rigorous high school coursework have contributed to Michigan’s improving graduation rate,” he said. “In addition to Advanced Placement, that includes expansion of opportunities for Career and Technical Education (CTE), dual enrollment, Early Middle College (EMC), and the International Baccalaureate program. Participation in all five of those programs in Michigan has exceeded pre-pandemic numbers while completers of CTE and Early Middle College programs are at all-time highs.”
These rigorous programs have contributed to progress toward Goal 4 of Michigan’s Top 10 Strategic Education Plan, to expand secondary learning opportunities for all students, and Goal 5, to increase the percentage of all students who graduate from high school.
Trevor Packer, head of the Advanced Placement Program, praised Michigan’s efforts. “We congratulate the hardworking teachers, school leaders, and policymakers in Michigan for utilizing Advanced Placement courses as part of their efforts to expand college and career readiness opportunities,” he said. “The class of 2024’s Advanced Placement results show that many more students are engaging in the opportunity to earn college credit and advanced standing. Advanced Placement teachers in Michigan are helping a wider range of students learn in a hands-on environment, gain critical knowledge, and build the professional skills that will help them succeed in college and career.”
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