Demopolis High to celebrate Advanced Placement success Thursday
DEMOPOLIS – Demopolis High School recently announced its 2014-15 Advanced Placement (AP) results, indicating a 30-percent increase in the number of qualifying scores achieved by students in AP math, science and English tests over two years. In 2014-2015, there were 213 more student enrollments in rigorous AP classes than when Demopolis High School first joined the program and students earned 33 qualifying scores on AP exams.
Driving the increases in student achievement is the implementation of the Alabama State Department of Education (ALSDE)/A+ College Ready AP Program, which Demopolis High School began implementing in 2013. The goals of the program are to boost student enrollment and achievement, particularly for under-represented student groups in rigorous AP courses and to build a pipeline of students better prepared for college and careers.
Statewide, the ALSDE/A+ College Ready AP program has delivered an astounding increase of 155% in qualifying scores on AP math, science, and English (MSE) exams since 2008 — doubling the nation’s growth of 57% over that time. The program is also credited for a consistent increase in percent growth of minority qualifying scores for MSE, ranking Alabama third in the nation over the last seven years.
At a special event held at the Alabama State Capitol Sept. 10th, Governor Robert Bentley and Dr. Tommy Bice, the Alabama State Superintendent of Education, announced that Alabama continues to lead the nation, ranking first in percent increase in math, science, and English qualifying scores over seven years.
“Advanced Placement courses are just one of the tools that students have in school to be successful in college or career,”said Governor Bentley during the celebration. “Our efforts to prioritize college and career training have made an important impact in the lives of students. The statistics show a remarkable amount of growth every year in this program, and that is a testament to the hard work of our students and teachers.”
The Alabama Legislature and The State Department of Education now provide significant funds for the AP Initiative, building on initial investments from the private sector, including the National Math and Science Initiative, Alabama Power Foundation, Regions Inc., Boeing and ExxonMobil, along with other corporations, foundations and individual donors across the state.
In 2015-16, the ALSDE/A+ College Ready AP Initiative will support 148 schools in 67 districts. The program elements include open enrollment in AP math, science and English classes, increased time on task for students, intensive teacher training, support from master teachers, and stipends for teachers and students. The AP Initiative works closely with the Alabama Math, Science, and Technology Initiative (AMSTI) and the Alabama Reading Initiative (ARI) to assist all Alabama students in meeting the state’s College and Career Ready Standards. It also is adding support for social studies teachers and students this year, accelerating expansion of a Computer Science Principles course and expanding support for 6-10th grade teachers and students in Alabama public schools.
A celebration will be held at the DHS Auditorium on Thursday, Oct. 8, at 1:15 p.m. to recognize students, who enrolled in a total of 363 AP courses, for their hard work and success. Parents are welcome to attend this celebration.