The number of Hawaii students taking and passing Advanced Placement exams continues to increase throughout the state.
The state Department of Education announced last week that it saw across-the-board gains in the number of students taking exams, the number of exams taken and the number of scores of 3, 4 or 5, in a recent report. That’s a trend the Big Island also is seeing, according to DOE statistics.
The AP program provides students the chance to take college-level courses while still in high school, and to earn college credit, advanced placement in college or both, according to the DOE.
Each AP test is graded on a five-point scale, with 5 being the highest score.
Statewide, there were 6,974 exam-takers in the 2017-18 school year compared to 6,599 in 2016-17, an increase of 5.7 percent; and 10,456 exams taken in 2017-18 compared to 9,903 the previous year, a increase of 5.6 percent.
The number of students scoring a 3, 4 or 5 on the exams totaled 4,545 in the last school year and 4,178 in the year prior, an increase of 8.8 percent.
On the Big Island, 810 students took 1,293 exams, and there were 468 tests with scores of 3 or higher in the 2017-18 school year compared to 720 test-takers, 1,134 exams taken and 420 scores of 3 or higher in the 2016-17 school year.
Waiakea High School had 26 AP scholars, the most of any school on the island. AP scholars are students who received scores of 3 or higher on three or more exams. A number of the school’s AP students received higher recognitions.
Principal Kelcy Koga said Waiakea High offers 10 AP classes.
“It’s apple and oranges a lot of time when you compare schools,” he said. Among other factors, Koga said the size of a school can impact AP offerings.
When compared to other schools in East Hawaii, Koga said Waiakea has more students than many others.
“With 1,200 kids, we can offer a lot more courses,” and have more teachers on staff, he said.
Koga said Waiakea students are expected to either enroll in AP courses or try an Early College course.
“It’s a growing expectation,” he said. “We’re not at 100 percent, but we do try to push our kids to get a feel for what they (might) expect at the next level.”
According to Koga, students are required to sign an AP contract that states they must take the AP exam at the end of the year.
The principal said he’s proud of the school’s pass rate and the students’ willingness to enroll in AP courses.
“I just think a lot of time, we’re fortunate because of our location across from (University of Hawaii at Hilo),” he said. “The rigor we have on campus is truly an expectation.”
While only three years of math and science are required to graduate, Koga said the vast majority of seniors will take four years, especially those who want to enter STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) fields.
“They’ll be encouraged to challenge themselves to get ready for college … so when you get to the collegiate level, you’re prepared for the rigors you will face,” Koga said.
Across town, Hilo High School also offers a number of AP courses — biology, calculus, U.S. history, environmental science, English language and composition, and English literature and composition.
“I believe the teachers encourage the students to take AP. However, with the growing trend of Early College Courses, many are opting (to take) that route, especially for HHS students who qualify, classes are free,” said Principal Robert Dircks.
Hilo High had four AP scholars.
Dircks said he was not surprised by those numbers, “as students are prepared and work very hard, and the teachers work hard to prepare the students. A lot depends on student’s motivation, and if their schools of choice accept the AP credit or not.”
According to the DOE, the number of AP tests taken by Hawaii public school students has increased by 57 percent since 2012, and the number of passing scores increased by 75 percent.
Email Stephanie Salmons at ssalmons@hawaiitribune-herald.com.
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Big Island by the numbers
Hilo High School: scholar, 4; scholar with honor, 1; scholar with distinction, 1
Honokaa High School: scholar, 8
Ka‘u High School: scholar, 1
Keaau High School: scholar, 2
Kealakehe High School: scholar, 24; scholar with honor, 4; scholar with distinction, 3; national AP scholar, 1
Kohala High School: scholar, 2
Konawaena High School: scholar, 5; scholar with honor, 1; scholar with distinction, 1.
Waiakea High School: scholar, 26; scholar with honor, 8; scholar with distinction, 5; National AP Scholar, 1; AP Seminar and Research Certificate, 6; AP Capstone Diploma, 5.
Scholars with honor — students who earn an average score of 3.25 on all AP exams taken and scores of 3 or higher on four or more tests.
Scholars with distinction — students who have an average score of at least 3.5 on all AP tests taken and scores of 3 or higher on five or more of those exams.
National AP scholar — students who earn an average score of at least 4 on all AP tests taken and scores 4 or higher on eight or more of the exams.
Students with scores of 3 or higher in AP seminar and AP research and on four additional AP tests receive the AP Capstone Diploma, while students who earn scores of 3 or higher in AP Seminar and AP Research but not on four additional exams receive the AP seminar and research certificate.
Email Stephanie Salmons at ssalmons@hawaiitribune-herald.com.