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| AP test scores demonstrate success, accountability of public schools February, 2006 ALBANY, N.Y. February 7, 2006 – New data showing New York high school students lead the nation in taking — and achieving top scores on — college-level Advanced Placement exams is more proof the vast majority of the state's public schools are excelling, New York State United Teachers said today. "The truth that critics of our public schools don't want to admit is that, on the whole, New York 's public education system is very successful," said NYSUT President Richard C. Iannuzzi. "New Yorkers can easily judge how well their public schools are doing," Iannuzzi noted. "And when it comes to AP exams — a nationally recognized measure of academic excellence — New York 's public schools are number one. Public education has a level of accountability that just doesn't exist when tax dollars go to private schools." Statistics released today by The College Board show New York is the national leader in the percentage of high school students taking at least one AP exam. New York also finished No. 1 in the percentage of students who scored three or better and earned college credit. More than 75 percent of New York 's high schools offer AP courses, far above the national average of 55 percent. NYSUT First Vice President Maria Neira noted AP exams are another sign of the "explosion of excellence" in New York 's public schools. "Critics take note: More students are earning Regents diplomas, scoring at the top levels of state tests and successfully tackling AP coursework," Neira said. "Today's news is further evidence that high standards and a greater investment in public education are the smartest strategies for improving overall student achievement." Neira said African-American and Latino students continue to make progress toward having equal opportunities to tackle AP courses. In fact, since 1990, the number of low-income, African-American and Latino students taking AP courses has more than tripled, and New York is among the top states in the number of low-income and minority high school students taking the rigorous AP exams. "But we must do better," Neira said. "Minority students have made great strides, but there's a gap that can — and must — be closed. We must increase access to AP courses and encourage more students to work toward achieving the incredible advantages that AP courses provide."
NYSUT, the largest union in New York State, represents more than 525,000 classroom teachers and other school employees; academic and professional faculty at the state's community colleges, State University of New York and City University of New York; and other education and health professionals. NYSUT is affiliated with the American Federation of Teachers, AFL-CIO. |
CONTACT: NYSUT Media Relations and Communications. (518) 213-6000, Ext. 6313. E-Mail: mediarel@nysutmail.org. |
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