Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, June 11, 1994 TAG: 9406170131
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: By JOEL TURNER STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
High school students are taking tougher courses, despite the perception by many people that students seek out classes that pose little challenge.
A new study shows that students nationwide are taking more courses that provide them with advanced placement and college credit.
Since 1983, the number of students taking examinations in the national Advanced Placement Program has increased by about 270 percent. The exams let students show they are ready to take higher level courses than college freshmen normally take.
In the past decade, more students have taken advanced courses in English, history, science, mathematics, foreign languages and computer science, according to the report by the Educational Testing Service in Princeton, N.J.
The educational company administers the Scholastic Aptitude Test and other admissions and occupational tests.
The trend is being seen in the Roanoke Valley, where high school students can choose from several academic programs.
In Roanoke County, the number of students taking advanced-placement exams more than doubled in four years - from 69 in 1989 to 175 in 1993.
"There has been a definite increase in county schools," said Gary Kelly, director of guidance and testing. The number of students taking advanced courses is higher than the number taking the examinations, he said, because some students choose not to take the test.
Roanoke school administrators did not have immediate figures on students taking advanced courses, but they also said there has been an increase.
William Cleveland, guidance coordinator at William Fleming High School, said more city students are taking advanced and college-level courses so they can skip some freshman courses when they reach college.
Cleveland said William Fleming hopes to get approved for the International Baccalaureate diploma program and expects that even more students will enroll in advanced courses.
The baccalaureate program is a rigorous college-preparatory curriculum that includes extensive writing along with oral examinations that are graded by college professors.
Salem already has the baccalaureate program. Seven seniors completed work this year for the special diploma, and more than 40 other students are enrolled in one or more baccalaureate classes.
In Montgomery County, the advanced-placement program was started a decade ago and now is offered in all four high schools.
James Sellers, assistant superintendent for instruction and curriculum, said Montgomery has provided training for its advanced-placement teachers so they can provide effective instruction in the courses.
"It has been popular with the students because they like the college credits that it offers," said Sellers.
Nationwide, the growth in advanced courses and examinations was reflected in all racial groups. The exams taken by minority students increased from 19.7 percent in 1988 to 26 percent in 1993.
Other findings of the new study include:
In 1990, 17 percent of high school graduates completed a core curriculum that included one year of computer science; two years of a foreign language; three years of social studies, science and mathematics; and four years of English. In 1982, only 2 percent of graduates reached this level.
Males took more courses than females in advanced science and in physical education, health and sports. Females took more courses in foreign language and performing arts.
Black students took fewer foreign languages than white students.
Hispanic students enrolled in more physical education, health and sports courses than other groups of students.
Asian and Pacific students took more advanced math and science courses. They were more likely than most other ethnic groups to take core academic programs.
by CNB