AUBURN — Edward Little High School students who took advanced placement courses last year outperformed the state, national and international averages, according to a School Department report.

As reported Wednesday night, more Edward Little students must become proficient at their grade levels. Between 59 percent and 61 percent of all students were proficient in reading and 64 percent were proficient in math, according to test data. The department’s goal is to have 80 percent of all students proficient.

But students who took AP courses during the 2012-13 school year scored an average of 3.25 of a possible 4.0. The statewide average score for last year was 2.9, the nation scored 2.87 and the global average was 2.89, according to the Auburn report.

Test data also show a better-than-average pass rate for AP students at Edward Little, according to the report from Shelly Mogul, curriculum director for Auburn schools. EL’s pass rate last year was 76.1 percent, up from 70.5 percent in 2009. The state pass rate last year was 61.8 percent; the global rate was 60 percent.

The percentage of EL students who took take AP courses was not readily available. The report shows that 18.7 percent of last year’s graduating class scored a 3.0 or higher, so at least that many of last year’s seniors took advanced classes.

The AP test results “says we have good offerings and kids taking them are doing well,” said Auburn Assistant Superintendent Michelle McClellan. “Auburn has valued offering a variety of courses to meet students’ needs regardless of their level. This is an example of that, the result of that which is very positive.”

— Bonnie Washuk

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