Austin ISD made the College Board's Annual AP District Honor Roll this year, proving that it has been successful in its goal of "expanding the availability of AP [advanced placement] courses among prepared and motivated students of all backgrounds." According to a press release issued by the district Dec. 19, in order to be included on the list, a district must increase the number of students participating in AP courses, as well as increase or maintain the percentage of students scoring a 3 or higher on AP exams for three consecutive years. In response to the accolade, AISD Superintendent Dr. Paul Cruz said it is indicative of the district's commitment to its mission of educating the whole child. "One of our goals is to increase college-, career- and life-readiness for all students in AISD," Superintendent Paul Cruz said. "Increasing the number of students participating, while maintaining high scores, shows we are moving in the right direction. I'm proud of our students and staff for this accomplishment." To determine which districts are recognized, the College Board examined AP data from 2014 to 2016, which represents 37 exams, including world language and culture. An emphasis is placed on heightening access of AP courses to minority groups—districts are also measured by the percentage of minority students who scored a 3 or higher on AP exams. "The first step to getting more of these students to participate is to give them access," the press release stated. "Courses must be made available, gate-keeping must stop and doors must be equitably opened." This is the first time AISD has been recognized on the College Board's AP District Honor Roll. It is one of 433 school districts in the U.S. and Canada and one of 23 districts in Texas to be honored this year.