Why it Matters
Participating in advanced coursework in high school, such as Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), and dual credit (DC) programs, has proven to increase high school graduation rates, postsecondary enrollment, and college persistence1. While it allows students to accumulate college credits, it also fosters persistence, hard work, and deeper engagement2. In addition, students enrolled in advanced coursework tend to be less absent from school, face fewer discipline issues, and are more likely to graduate3.
Kentucky has taken substantial steps to enhance access to advanced coursework by reducing barriers through increased subsidies for AP exam fees4, the AdvanceKY5 initiative to broaden student participation and AP teacher training, and incentivizing Dual Credit coursework completion6 through the accountability model. In 2023, the Council on Postsecondary Education (CPE) established a Dual Credit Attainment Goal7 to increase the number of Kentucky high school students who graduate with at least one dual credit course completed with a qualifying grade to 50%.
However, historically underrepresented students face several barriers that limit their access to advanced coursework, resulting in lower enrollment and completion rates with qualifying grades8. Furthermore, while dual credit enrollment has increased since 2018-19, overall enrollment in AP has decreased9.
Definitions
- Dual Credit: A course offered in partnership with a college or university that allows students to earn high school and college credit simultaneously.
- Dual Enrollment: It is when a student is enrolled in high school and college at the same time but is only earning college (not high school) credit for certain courses. It is not the same as Dual Credit.
- Advanced Placement (AP): advanced high school classes that offer college-level curriculum and culminate in exams administered by the College Board. A student may earn college credit with a passing score on the AP exam.
- International Baccalaureate (IB): a complete program of study that may contain AP courses. This diploma program is usually of interest to students who plan to attend Ivy League or international colleges.
