Robbinsdale Schools Recognized for Advanced Placement Program

As many school districts around the country are making tough budget cuts, like scaling back on A.P. classes or eliminating gifted-and-talented programs, Robbinsdale Area Schools is doing things differently.  And it's being recognized for its efforts.

The Robbinsdale district is one of just 388 across the country being honored by the College Board with a place on its Advanced Placement Achievement List. 

“These districts are defying expectations by expanding access while improving scores,” says College Board President Gaston Caperton. “They are experimenting with initiatives and strategies that have driven increases in average exam scores when making AP available to a much broader and more diverse student population."

The Advanced Placement Program enables students to pursue college-level studies while still in high school. Through more than 30 college-level courses, each culminating in a rigorous exam, AP provides willing and academically prepared students with the opportunity to earn college credit, advanced placement or both.

From 2008 to 2010, Robbinsdale Area Schools has increased the number of students participating in AP from 507 to 591, while still increasing the number of its AP students earning scores of 3 or higher, the score typically needed to earn college credit, from 63% to 64%.

“We are providing opportunity for students to both excel now and prepare for the future," says Robbinsdale Superintendent Aldo Sicoli.  "We are very proud of this accomplishment, and look forward to an even greater increase in the future.”

AP is accepted by more than 3,800 colleges and universities worldwide for college credit, advanced placement or both on the basis of successful AP Exam scores. This includes over 90 percent of four-year institutions in the United States. In 2010, 1.8 million students representing more than 17,000 schools around the world, both public and nonpublic, took 3.2 million AP Exams.