The Correlation Between Parent/Guardian Education and AP Test Scores

Over the past decade, the number of Advanced Placement exams and test takers has doubled (College Board, 2017b.). Reasoning for the increase in participation of AP exams is due to AP student participation now being factored into each school’s Accountability Report Card, and many schools offering open enrollment (no prerequisites required) for AP courses to increase participation. However, with this increase in participation, data show that the percentage of students passing AP exams is declining. Literature findings show that first-generation college students (students that will be the first in their family to attend college) struggle academically when compare to non-first-generation college students. Because AP courses are equivalent in content and rigor of the college course equivalent, this study explores whether a similar achievement gap exists among first-generation college students in an AP biology class at a Southern California high school. The study used a quantitative research design, utilizing Pearson’s correlation coefficient, in addition to a chi-squared test. The findings of both tests showed an underperformance in AP biology from first-generation college students, and that an achievement gap was present. Recommendations for future research include researching if a similar achievement gap exists in other AP subject areas, and implement best practices that have proven to increase academic achievement among first-generation college students in AP classes.