U.S. Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings released the following statement regarding today's report by the College Board titled Advanced Placement Report to the Nation 2005:

"This new report provides further proof that our children respond when we challenge them academically. I am pleased to see more and more high school students are embracing the rigors of Advanced Placement (AP) coursework. And I am especially encouraged to see more minority students taking advantage of these courses.

"Still, we have much work to do, which is why the president, as part of his 2006 budget, plans to propose a 73 percent increase in funding for the AP program authorized in the No Child Left Behind Act. This increased support will allow more students to experience the benefits of AP classes and will upgrade the overall quality of a high school education.

"Too many of our high school students graduate without the skills needed to succeed in college. As a result, 40 percent of students entering four-year colleges and universities require some remedial education. By exposing students to Advanced Placement coursework, we can ensure that every child leaves high school ready to tackle the challenges of higher education. By raising standards and expectations, our students will learn more, become better prepared for college and the workplace, and expand their intellectual horizons."

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