The number of Kentucky public school students taking Advanced Placement tests has more than doubled since 2008.
The Kentucky Education Department says the number of tests achieving a score high enough to earn college credit at most colleges has also more than doubled in the same period.
Figures released Tuesday also show participation and performance of ethnic groups in AP tests in Kentucky public schools has increased significantly.
The department credited a statewide math-science initiative designed to expand Kentucky high school students' access, participation and success in rigorous coursework such as AP classes.
The department said average scores of students taking the SAT college entrance exam remained relatively flat, while mean scores of sophomores and juniors taking the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test showed slight increases.
