151 Wisconsin Schools Recognized as 2023 AP Pacesetters
Tuesday, October 15, 2024 - Press Release from WI DPI
Rigorous Advanced Placement (AP) coursework can support students’ learning and positively impact their future. Creating and maintaining a supportive learning environment where students are encouraged to engage in AP coursework also helps normalize higher expectations for all students in a school.
For the past ten plus years, the Pacesetter Award from the the Wisconsin Advanced Placement Advisory Council (WAPAC) and the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction has recognized high-performing AP schools in the state. In 2023, 151 schools earned special recognition for their work engaging students in advanced coursework and acknowledging student performance on AP exams.
Pacesetter awards are not meant to be a competition– but rather, a celebration of excellence from across our state. Dan Dargenio, a teacher at Marshfield High School and a WAPAC board member, said, “WAPAC’s continued support of the Pacesetter awards is a great avenue to acknowledge excellence in Advanced Placement programs throughout Wisconsin.”
According to The College Board, “AP students, including those with average scores of 1 or 2, are more likely to enroll in a 4-year college, compared to academically similar students who didn’t take AP in high school.” By these metrics, we know that Pacesetter schools are doing important work to prepare students to be college and career ready.
What makes a Pacesetter school? Pacesetter schools are acknowledged for their efforts at one of three levels:
Level 1: 30% or more of all student participation in at least one AP exam and 70% or more earning scores of 3 or above on the exams. Level 2: 20% or more of all student participation in at least one AP exam and 65% or more earning scores of 3 or above on the exams. Level 3: 10% or more of all student participation in at least one AP exam and 60% or more earning scores of 3 or above on the exams.
Of the 151 schools that met criteria to be a Level 1, 2, or 3 Pacesetter: 24 schools were at Level 1 37 schools were at Level 2 and 90 schools were at Level 3.