AP Test Takers and Scores Increase, but Minority Participation Still Lags

This week in the 8th Annual AP Report to the Nation, the College Board revealed that while the number of AP test takers has risen during the last decade, minority participation continues to lag behind. African-American students remain the most underrepresented demographic. Of the number of African-American students determined to be AP-ready (based on PSAT scores), a mere 80 percent did not attempt an AP course.  The report is unable to determined the cause of the discrepancy; however, Trevor Packer, executive director of the Advanced Placement program for the College Board, made several assertions about the social and psychological  dilemmas African-Americans face with regard to this decision. Whatever the reasons, it’s important that the conversation be continues to ensure that the disparity does not continue to grow.