Glenbard earns national recognition for equitable access to AP classes

On Sept. 21, the White House and U.S. Department of Education recognized Glenbard District 87 for its commitment to closing the enrollment gap in Advanced Placement courses that exists between middle-income and upper-income white and Asian students and their low-income, black and Hispanic peers.

Faculty and administrators in Glenbard's four high schools identified students who have the assets to be successful in Advanced Placement and through a variety of outreach methods, enrolled hundreds of these students in AP classes. This year, 874 traditionally under-represented Glenbard District 87 juniors and seniors enrolled in Advanced Placement classes. Glenbard serves approximately 8,100 students from nine communities.

For years, Glenbard District 87 has been intentional in its efforts to have more students experience the rigor of Advanced Placement classes. "Since 2007, we have doubled enrollment in our AP courses," Superintendent David Larson said. "Even with a significant increase in the number of students taking AP, our students have maintained an above average passing rate on AP exams," Larson said. Last year, Glenbard District 87's AP passing rate was 72%. "This is a testament to our students' hard work, along with the support of teachers and parents," Larson said.

High school students who pass an Advanced Placement exam increase their likelihood of being accepted to a four-year university and can save on college expenses. Many colleges and universities nationwide offer college credit, advanced placement, or both, for qualifying AP exam scores.

Among the Class of 2016, 41% of Glenbard District 87 graduates passed one or more AP exams, and each year, all four Glenbard high schools were named to the Washington Post's list of America's Most Challenging High Schools, which ranks schools based on AP participation.

At the national event on Sept. 21, Glenbard South High School was recognized for fully closing its enrollment gap, joining less than 1% of high schools nationally that have closed their gap. Glenbard South is one of only three high schools in Illinois to fully close its AP enrollment gap. Instead of being a diverse school with segregated AP classes within it, like so many schools in the United States, Glenbard South's AP classes reflect the diversity of its overall student population. The proportion of low-income and minority students in the AP classes at Glenbard South mirrors that of the school's student body. Regarding AP enrollment among juniors and seniors this year, Glenbard South has realized the following one-year increases:

• Low-income White & Asian 29% increase

• Low-income Hispanic/Latino 64% increase

• Medium/high-income Black/African-American 183% increase

• Low-income Black/African-American 186% increase

Glenbard South High School Principal Sandra Coughlin said, "As a school community, Glenbard South is fortunate to have wonderful trusting relationships with our students. Our Equal Opportunity Schools outreach plan reinforced those bonds by providing students with activities and lessons on belonging, growth mindset and executive learning skills. The faculty has been key as they've supported and encouraged students to reach their potential, whatever that might be."

Last year, Glenbard District 87 was one of seven school districts in Illinois selected to partner with Equal Opportunity Schools to close the enrollment gap in Advanced Placement courses. Glenbard District is committed to ensuring that any student interested in an Advanced Placement class excels in those classes and has the opportunity to earn college credit while still in high school.

Larson said, "Our work with Equal Opportunity Schools will change the trajectory of students' lives. I am very proud of Glenbard South Principal Sandra Coughlin, her administrators and faculty for closing the AP enrollment gap, and I am confident our other three schools will do the same."

Regarding AP enrollment among black and Hispanic juniors and seniors this year, Glenbard has realized the following one-year increases district-wide:

• Medium/high-income Hispanic/Latino 16.5% increase

• Low-income Hispanic/Latino 81.7% increase

• Medium/high-income Black/African-American 69% increase

• Low-income Black/African-American 155.6% increase

A member of President Obama's Cabinet recognized Glenbard District 87's commitment to equitably include low-income students and students of color in the most rigorous high school classes. Broderick Johnson, who is Obama's My Brother's Keeper Taskforce Chair and White House Cabinet Secretary, honored Glenbard District 87 for its commitment to equally include students of all backgrounds in Advanced Placement classes.