Marshfield Boosts AP Access, Embraces AI in Classrooms

Marshfield - Marshfield students are taking more Advanced Placement (AP) courses than ever—and succeeding at record levels. At its April 15 meeting, the Marshfield School Committee reviewed data showing a steady rise in both AP participation and achievement, while also spotlighting growing momentum behind artificial intelligence (AI) learning in classrooms across the district.

AP Participation and Scores Reach New Highs

Guidance Coordinator Kerran Goff and Marshfield High School Principal Amy Cetner presented a detailed report showing a sharp increase in AP enrollment and exam participation—even as overall student enrollment has declined.

“This is pretty impressive,” Goff said. “We're offering some great opportunities for our students across all disciplines.”

According to the report, Marshfield High administered 19 different AP courses in the 2023–24 academic year. More than 80% of students who took an AP exam scored a 3 or higher—the threshold typically required to earn college credit.

“What’s notable is that the total number of students taking AP courses is going up year after year,” Cetner said. “And that’s with a drop in overall enrollment.”

The school is also expanding AP access earlier in students’ high school careers. A freshman is currently enrolled in AP Computer Science, and AP World History is being considered for younger grades.

“There are quite a few prerequisites,” Cetner noted. “But we do engage in those conversations with students who might not be recommended but are interested. Teachers are open to supporting them.”

Balancing Rigor With Support

While praising student commitment, some committee members acknowledged concerns about academic stress and equity in access to advanced coursework.

“These are kids that are also doing a lot of other activities,” said Goff. “When I see a student taking five AP courses, I ask—when do you sleep?”

The committee explored ideas to support lower-income students, including the possibility of fundraising or offering optional sponsorships to offset AP exam fees, which cost $99 each.

“If kids qualify, we’ll work with them,” Superintendent Dr. Patrick Sullivan said. “Bottom line is, one way or another, we would make it work.”

AI in Classrooms: Staff Trained, Parents Informed

The meeting also highlighted districtwide progress in integrating artificial intelligence into curriculum and teacher development.

Assistant Superintendent Dr. Ellen Martin reported that Marshfield hosted a “Day of AI” training through MIT, with participation from staff in every building, including administrators and digital learning coaches.

“There was great feedback from the participants,” Martin said. “They’ll look at the Day of AI curriculum and see how to incorporate at least one lesson this year—likely after MCAS.”

An AI information night for parents and caregivers was also scheduled for the following evening, April 16, at the Marshfield High School Presentation Center.

Martin added that AI was also explored during recent elementary-level professional development sessions. Educators collaborated across departments to evaluate AI tools that support both instruction and student learning.

“Probably one of the best sessions this year,” Martin said.

International Exchange With Spain Approved

The committee unanimously approved a two-week international exchange program with a school in Vitoria, Spain, scheduled for April 11–24, 2026. Students from Spain will visit Marshfield in October 2025, with Marshfield students traveling abroad in the spring.

“We had a great time,” said Spanish teacher Patricia Salamone, noting the success of a similar exchange in 2023. She described highlights such as students teaching English to younger grades while immersed in Spanish school life. Committee members praised the program’s educational and cultural benefits and discussed possible ways to make it financially accessible to all interested students.

Other Meeting Highlights

• Superintendent Sullivan noted positive reports from recent music events and a high school student trip to New York City, where students attended the Broadway show Wicked.
  

• The FY26 school operating budget was formally approved at $60,336,636. Committee members stressed the importance of new revenue-sharing agreements with the town to ensure budget stability moving forward.
  

• A revised district wellness policy was approved, emphasizing water access, allergy safety, and mental health supports.
  

• Committee members discussed defining what qualifies as a “community partner” for school communications, with plans to develop a formal policy.

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