Kentucky AP exam scores up amid fewer test takers

FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) – While Advanced Placement exam scores in Kentucky improved this year, the number of test takers went down.

The state Department of Education said in a news release last week that the number of students scoring at the top two levels in May is up between 4 and 5 percent from last year.

However, the number of AP test takers and the number of AP tests given by schools dropped slightly this year.

Scores of 3 or better can qualify students for college credit for the course, which officials estimate saves Kentucky students more than $23 million a year in college costs.

State Education Commissioner Stephen Pruitt says officials must do better at ensuring all students have the opportunity to take AP courses and tests that could earn them college credit.