Dive Summary:

• Mean scores and overall participation in the Advanced Placement exam saw an increase in 2012, according to The College Board's annual report on the program released Wednesday.
• According to the report, the number of high school graduates taking the exam rose 32.4% to 954,070 and 19.5% of students taking the exam scored a 3 or higher.
• Although the numbers were encouraging, the report also outlined areas where the program needs improvement--particularly as it pertains to availability inequity across socioeconomic and racial backgrounds, which The College Board has made a major goal of addressing in the coming years.

From the article:

The College Board on Wednesday presented its annual report on the state of the Advanced Placement program, the findings of which were similar to recent years. While mean scores and overall participation in the AP exam both grew, inequity in the availability of the exams and programs persists across socioeconomic and racial backgrounds, despite some improvements. ...