Algonquin Regional High's AP scores improving
By Ken Powers Contributing Writer
Northborough/Southborough - More Algonquin Regional High School (ARHS) students are taking advanced placement (AP) courses as well as the accompanying AP exams - and showing improvement.

That announcement was made by ARHS Assistant Principal John Harrington, who made a presentation about the AP program to the Regional School Committee at its Oct. 17 meeting.

Harrington said the number of students taking exams and the number of subject tests taken nearly tripled between 2000 and 2007.

"Over the years we've seen more and more students taking AP courses and exams," Harrington said. "We're currently considering adding more AP courses in science and social studies."

The results of the courses and the tests are also on the rise, Harrington said. Of the 180 students who took 307 AP tests, 91 percent scored a three or better on the test. The tests are graded on a five-point scale, five being the best.

Last academic year, Harrington said, 84 percent of Algonquin students earned a three or higher on the tests. Many colleges award course credits to students receiving a three or higher on the tests. In 2006, 39 Algonquin students tested out well enough to earn special recognition form the College Board, the company that administers the tests.

ARHS off ers 16 AP courses. Harrington said some students also took exams in subjects not currently off ered at the school, including Chinese and human geography. Others, Harrington explained, took virtual courses

" to get ready for exams in chemistry, physics and environmental science.

Harrington said the school, at this time, does not require students enrolled in AP classes to take the accompanying test. He said some students prefer to focus on just a few subjects, but want to take courses that will challenge them.

Discussion has begun, Harrington acknowledged, to possibly institute a rule requiring students to take the AP test associated with the class they're taking.

School committee members Susan Sartori and Jack Kessler said students, parents and teachers should get to voice their opinions on the subject before such a rule is instituted.