For Hub City Times

MADISON — The Wisconsin Advanced Placement Advisory Council (WAPAC) recently recognized Marshfield High School for being a Pacesetter school in Advanced Placement (AP) performance. Based on the below criteria, Marshfield High School received Level 1 distinction for 2016:

—Level 1: At least 30 percent of the school’s population took one or more AP exams, and students earned passing grades on at least 70 percent of exams taken.

—Level 2: At least 20 percent of the school’s population took one or more AP exams, and students earned passing grades on at least 65 percent of exams taken.

—Level 3: At least 10 percent of the school’s population took one or more AP exams, and students earned passing grades on at least 60 percent of exams taken.

In 2016, 16 Wisconsin schools attained Level 1 status, 32 were Level 2, and 92 were Level 3. The data for the WAPAC awards is available from the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction at wisedash.dpi.wi.gov/Dashboard/portalHome.jsp.

The Pacesetter Award is unique to Wisconsin and emerged from WAPAC members who felt that many outstanding school districts lacked recognition for AP excellence. In particular, WAPAC was interested in highlighting districts that are seldom recognized. By honoring AP leaders, WAPAC encourages other districts to promote both access and excellence.

The Wisconsin Advanced Placement Advisory Council is comprised of Wisconsin secondary and collegiate educators who are dedicated to expanding access to AP coursework and rigorous learning for all college-bound students.