GHS, SPHS honored for AP exam success

Monday, June 19, 2017
Courtesy photo Participating in a ceremony at the Statehouse honoring South Putnam High School are (from left) Principal Mike Schimpf, Tiffany Dickson (math), Indiana Superintendent of Public Instruction Jennifer McCormick, Brady Rhodes (social studies), Bethany LeBlanc (English) and Natalie Hodge (science). South Putnam was recognized for having 27 percent of its graduating seniors score a three or higher on at least one AP exam. Representatives from Greencastle Schools did not attend the recent Indianapolis ceremony.

Greencastle and South Putnam high schools were among 73 Indiana schools honored during an Indiana AP Recognition ceremony at the Statehouse, according to State Rep. Jim Baird (R-Greencastle).

The Indiana Department of Education and Indiana College Board celebrated the success of these schools, where at least 25 percent of the graduating class earned a score of three or higher on at least one AP exam.

“Students at these schools have worked diligently to prepare for their futures by challenging themselves in advanced classes and receiving top scores,” Baird said. “I congratulate these students and these schools for their dedication and look forward to seeing continued academic growth in the future.”

AP exams are tests taken by high school students after they complete a course designed to demonstrate they are prepared to handle college-level work, explained Baird, who represents House District 44 including all of Putnam County and portions of Clay, Morgan, Owen and Parke counties.

With a successful score, these students can also earn college credit. These exams are developed by the College Board, a mission-driven, not-for-profit organization that connects students to success and opportunity in higher education.

“Research tells us time and again taking and passing AP courses prepares students for the rigors of the college classroom,” Indiana Superintendent of Public Instruction Dr. Jennifer McCormick said. “I am pleased with the dedication these schools and their educators have shown in providing a head start into higher education for their students. I applaud the success of each student who worked hard to study and pass their advanced placement courses and exams.”

AP is a research-backed method to facilitate student participation and success through delivery of college-level courses and corresponding exams in the high school setting. Qualified students who pass AP courses enroll in college at higher rates than other groups of students, require significantly less remediation, and have higher average first-year grade-point averages and credit hours earned than other groups of students, McCormick said.

For the 2015-16 school year, 11,904 graduating students passed at least one AP exam with a three or better. That is an increase of six percent over the year prior, and an increase of 114 percent in the past 10 years.

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