Taking Advanced Placement Courses in High School to Improve College Readiness

• In Event: Marriott Roundtable Session 39
  In Roundtable Session: Policies, Practices, and Programs That Promote College and Career Readiness

Abstract

A large percentage of students graduate high school and are placed into remedial college courses. Do taking AP courses in high school improve college readiness by increasing the student’s ACT score and thereby reducing the student’s chances of being placed into remedial courses in college? The purpose of this study is to provide insights regarding one way to increase college preparedness for academically at-risk students. Propensity score matching and mixed multilevel models indicate Advanced Placement courses have a positive impact on ACT scores. This suggests steps should be taken to encourage more students to participate in AP courses in order to give them the tools they need to succeed on the ACT and avoid remedial courses in college.

Author

• Kate Eugenis, Clark County School District