State Superintendent of Education Dr. Tommy Bice said Wednesday that Alabama ranks No. 1 in percentage score increases in Advanced Placement exams over the last five years.
Bice said that the number of Alabama public school students passing math, science, and English AP exams ranked No. 1 among the 50 states in percentage increase. The results also show that Alabama ranks No. 2 among the 50 states in percentage increase for minority students.
Governor Robert Bentley released a video-taped message to AP students and teachers attending the announcement in Mobile. “I’m proud that Alabama students are enrolling and succeeding in AP classes at unprecedented rates,” Bentley said.
Students at the 76 participating high schools in the 2012-13 school year achieved a 101-percent average increase in passing AP scores, 14 times the national average.
“Our investment in increasing rigor in our high schools through AP is paying off,” Bice said. “Alabama is making significant gains toward closing the achievement gap among traditionally under-represented students, and better preparing all students for college, work and adulthood in the 21st century.”
The APTIP program will expand access to AP math, science, and English by being offered in 21 additional high schools over the next three years, bringing the total number of participating schools to 97 in 43 school districts, Bice’s office said.
The Business Council of Alabama encourages students to take more challenging courses so they can be prepared to compete in the 21st century global workforce.
“Greater participation in Advanced Placement courses and improved test scores across the board only bodes well for Alabama,” said BCA President and CEO William J. Canary.
“Students are challenged by AP courses that not only enhance opportunities for them but also for businesses that are the No. 1 consumers of our graduates. Our Business and Education Alliance will stand united in finding defined achievement paths toward success for the students of Alabama.”
Here is a list of the new high schools in this school year’s APTIP: S.R. Butler, James Clemons, Demopolis, East Lawrence, Enterprise, Excel, Foley, Gaston, Guntersville, Hatton, Holtville, R.A. Hubbard, J.O. Johnson, Bob Jones, Lawrence County, Opp, Piedmont, Sardis, St. Clair County, Sylacauga, and Walker.)
The AP Training and Incentive Program is a joint venture of the Alabama State Department of Education and A+ College Ready. APTIP is a public-private partnership that is supported by taxpayers, the State Board of Education, the National Math and Science Initiative, and matching funds from Alabama Power Foundation, Regions Inc., Boeing, and ExxonMobil. Other corporations, foundations, and individuals contribute.
-Dana Beyerle