AP Test Scores at High School Way Above Average
High School Principal Michael Mastrullo presented School Committee members with impressive data about the performance of high school students on advanced placement (AP) tests. Advanced placement tests are taken by students - mostly juniors and seniors - who are performing at a high level in particular subjects. AP tests are given in subject areas - math, science, English, social studies and foreign language. Students taking the exams are scored on a scale from one to five - one being the lowest score and five, the highest score. Students who score three or higher can receive college credit in the subject area and thereby not be required to take those courses in their freshman year at college.
Mastrullo said that in the 2011-12 school year 307 students took AP exams at the high school and in every subject area except foreign language, they scored significantly above state averages and were among the top performing students in the state. As examples, Mastrullo noted that of the 80 students who took the social studies AP exam, 89 percent scored three or better. Of the 101 students who took the science AP exam, 89 percent scored three or better. Of the 71 students who took the math AP exam, 99 percent scored three or better. The only underperformance came in foreign language where only 14 students took the AP Exam and most scored in the "Needs Improvement" range.
Mastrullo stated that the above average scores on AP exams at Groton-Dunstable have remained constant over a four-year period from 2008 to 2012 despite a significant increase in number of students taking AP courses and exams during that same period. Mastrullo noted that during this four-year period, the number of students enrolled in AP classes increased from 91 to 182 and the number of exams taken during this period increased 100 percent from 154 to 307.
Mastrullo said performance on AP exams allows the district to better judge performance of its students in comparison to other districts. School Committee members were pleased with the report and the performance of students. Interim Suprinendent Anthony Bent said, "Congratulations to the high school and the teachers there."
Some members expressed concern about the foreign language area and wanted to know if there was a way to determine why the results were disappointing. School Committee member Berta Erickson noted that the foreign language area was affected by budget constraints in the past couple years.
