Giving Compass' Take:

· As enrollment for AP classes continues to increase, Chalkbeat analyzes the effectiveness of AP exams and concludes that many factors influence the success of students. 

· What are some factors that influence the effectiveness of college prep classes? What are the trade-offs when taking an AP class rather than a regular course?

· Strong teacher leadership boosts efforts to improve academic proficiency, college attendance rates, and improves testing performances. 

Let’s start with the good news: Over the last two decades, a rapidly increasing number of students have taken and passed Advancement Placement exams, which are often seen as helpful preparation for college.

But here’s the bad news: Many more students are also taking those courses but failing the exams. The majority of black and Hispanic test-takers don’t score a 3 or higher, which is usually needed to earn college credit.

So has the rapid expansion of AP been a net good for students and schools?

A new review of research provides a stark reminder that we simply don’t know the answer to that or a number of other important questions about AP courses, even as the program has become a more common part of the American high school experience.

Read the full article about AP exams by Amanda Zhou at Chalkbeat.