Your article, “Schools’ Interest in Advanced-Placement Classes Increases” (Education Week, April 13, 1983), contained a wealth of information and relevant statistics. However, I believe that the statement by Harlan P. Hanson [director of the Advanced Placement test program for the College Board in New York], “In 1981, the national average was 82 examinations taken per 100,000 students,” is incorrect. Using the value of 178,159 examinations taken in 1980-81, a value of approximately 217,000,000 is obtained that must refer to the number of persons rather than the number of students.
Harold C. Hein Coordinator and Professor Secondary Education The University of Mississippi University, Miss.
Editor’s Note: Mr. Hein is correct; 82 examinations are taken per 100,000 inhabitants per state, according to Mr. Hanson.
