BSD students take record number of AP and IB tests - June 2007
Bellevue students in 2007 continue to set the pace for taking Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate exams. This spring, Bellevue's high school students took a record 5,043 tests, far surpassing last year’s total of 4,640. By comparison, in 1997 the total was just over 250. Students who take challenging courses in high school are far more likely to be successful in college. That’s why education writers like Jay Mathews, author of the annual Newsweek high school rankings, continue to rank Bellevue 's high schools among the top in the country.
Part of the reason for the increase in AP course and test-taking is the change in culture in Bellevue’s high schools. At our high schools you’re likely to see a pep poster in support of academics much like we’re used to seeing those in support of athletic events. And perhaps the biggest cheerleaders for students in this arena are their teachers.
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Advanced Level Courses
Bellevue encourages ALL students to take challenging coursework including Advanced Placement, AP and International Baccalaureate, IB classes in high school. The following broadcast was produced in 2001 and offers the views of students, teachers, counselors, and others on why AP and IB courses are the right courses for all students
View our 12 min. video featuring an interview with Jay Mathews, "The AP/IB Challenge is for ALL Students" (click here for Windows Media Video stream) | |
Chart showing AP and IB test taking over 11 years for Bellevue, Interlake, Newport and Sammamish High Schools