From CSD’s website…

For several years, the Decatur High School faculty and staff have worked hard to increase the numbers of students taking and succeeding in advanced content classes. Along with being a goal in the district’s strategic plan, opening access to AP classes has increased the overall rigor at DHS. This year, the City Schools of Decatur was placed on the College Board’s 2nd Annual AP® District Honor Roll for significant gains in Advanced Placement® access and student performance.

The AP District Honor Roll nationally recognizes and acknowledges districts’ successes and efforts to expand AP access, performance, and commitment to increasing student achievement. Only 367 districts were selected nationwide this year. One other district in Georgia (Calhoun City) also received this honor.

Inclusion on the 2nd Annual AP District Honor Roll is based on the following criteria:

• Examination of three years of AP data, from 2009 to 2011;
• Increase in participation in/access to AP by at least 4 percent in large districts, at least 6 percent in medium districts and at least 11 percent in small districts;
• A steady or increasing percentage of exams taken by African American, Hispanic/Latino and American Indian/Alaska Native students; and
• Performance levels maintained or improved when comparing the percentage of students in 2011 scoring a 3 or higher to those in 2009, or the school has already attained a performance level in which more than 70 percent of the AP students are scoring a 3 or higher.
• School districts in which low-income and/or underrepresented minority students (African American, Hispanic/Latino, American Indian/Alaska Native) comprise 30 percent or more of the AP student population have been highlighted on the Achievement List to recognize significant improvements in equity and quality among the nation’s historically underserved student populations.