Rochester schools selected to receive greater access to advanced education

ROCHESTER, Minn. (KTTC) – Rochester Public Schools is one of 24 school districts around the country that has been selected to receive greater access to advanced coursework.

The program, sponsored by the Aspen Institute’s Education and Society Program and the College Board, will expand the availability to Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB) and dual enrollment classes.

The program begins this month and will run through 2029.

RPS Superintendent Dr. Kent Pekel released a statement about the selection to the program.

“We know that our students have the capability and drive to succeed at the highest academic levels when we provide the right support and expectations. Being selected for this national cohort allows Rochester Public Schools to strengthen our instructional systems and use data intentionally so that more students, especially those who have been historically underrepresented in AP, IB, and dual enrollment, see themselves in advanced classrooms and thrive there.”

RPS was chosen for the program in a highly competitive selection process. Other communities that were selected include Atlanta Public Schools in Georgia, Chicago Public Schools in Illinois, Detroit Public Schools Community District in Michigan, among others.

According to College Board research, taking just one AP course can have an impact on both college outcomes and long-term earnings. Improving these two areas for a new generation of students is a primary focus of the program, as only about half of children in recent years have gone on to earn more than their parents.

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