Beebe names 8 more AP schools
This article was originally published March 15, 2010 at 9:06 a.m. Updated March 15, 2010 at 10:41 a.m.
PHOTO BY GAVIN LESNICK
Gov. Mike Beebe presents a plaque to a representative from Conway High School, one of eight schools selected to take part in the Arkansas Advanced Initiative for Math and Sciences program.
LITTLE ROCK — Gov. Mike Beebe today announced eight additional Arkansas high schools which will participate in the UALR-based Arkansas Advanced Initiative for Math and Sciences, a $13.2 million effort aimed at increasing participation and scores in Advance Placement classes.
The schools are Jonesboro High School, West Memphis High School, Conway High School, Arkadelphia High School, Sheridan High School, Smackover High School, Rison High School and KIPP Delta Collegiate Preparatory High School.
The new additions join 10 schools selected to the program in 2008 and 13 chosen in 2009. Those schools have enrolled nearly 6,000 students in AP classes. The figure is expected to swell beyond 8,000 next year after today's announcement.
Beebe said the effort has already "resulted in some amazing statistics" including a 39 percent increase in passing scores on the AP math, science and English exams among students in the first group of schools to enter the program. That group also saw an 81 percent increase in passing scores by black and Hispanic students.
"Those are pretty phenomenal statistics," Beebe said. "You can always argue you have a long way to go to begin with. That's all the more point to be really celebrating what those statistics talk about."
The program includes formal training for teachers, financial incentives for teachers and students, prep sessions and after-school tutoring.
The initiative, sponsored by the National Math and Science Initiative, began with a grant from ExxonMobil Corp. The Walton Family Foundation provided an additional $2.9 million toward the program last year.
Arkansas is one of six states selected to take part.
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