Report to the Legislature:
Advancing Science, Technology,
Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)
through a Mathematics and Science
Advanced Placement (AP) Program
The Fiscal Year 2013 budget, Chapter 139 of the Acts of 2012 line item, 7035-0035,
provided a competitively bid, statewide performance- based, integrated program to
increase participation and performance in advanced placement courses, particularly
among underserved populations, to prepare students for college and career success
in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
March 2014
Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
75 Pleasant Street, Malden, MA 02148-4906
Phone 781-338-3000 TTY: N.E.T. Relay 800-439-2370
www.doe.mass.edu
This document was prepared by the
Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
Mitchell D. Chester, Ed.D.
Commissioner
Board of Elementary and Secondary Education Members
Ms. Maura Banta, Chair, Melrose
Ms. Harneen Chernow, Jamaica Plain, Vice Chair,
Mr.Daniel Brogan, Chair, Student Advisory Council, Dennis
Dr. Vanessa Calderón-Rosado, Milton
Ms. Karen Daniels, Milton
Ms. Ruth Kaplan, Brookline
Dr. Matthew Malone, Secretary of Education, Roslindale
Mr. James O’S. Morton, Springfield
Dr. Pendred Noyce, Weston
Mr. David Roach, Sutton
Mitchell D. Chester, Ed.D., Commissioner and Secretary to the Board
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all of its programs and facilities are accessible to all members of the public.
We do not discriminate on the basis of age, color, disability, national origin, race, religion, sex, gender identity, or sexual orientation.
Inquiries regarding the Department’s compliance with Title IX and other civil rights laws may be directed to the
Human Resources Director, 75 Pleasant St., Malden, MA 02148-4906. Phone: 781-338-6105.
© 2014 Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
Permission is hereby granted to copy any or all parts of this document for non-commercial educational purposes. Please credit the
“Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.”
This document printed on recycled paper
Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
75 Pleasant Street, Malden, MA 02148-4906
Phone 781-338-3000 TTY: N.E.T. Relay 800-439-2370
www.doe.mass.edu
Massachusetts Department of
Elementary and Secondary Education
75 Pleasant Street, Malden, Massachusetts 02148-4906
Telephone: (781) 338-3000
TTY: N.E.T. Relay 1-800-439-2370
Mitchell D. Chester, Ed.D.
Commissioner
March 2014
Dear Members of the General Court:
I am pleased to provide a progress report on the ongoing work of the Department of Elementary
and Secondary Education (Department), in partnership with Mass Insight Education, to provide a
high-quality Advanced Placement (AP) mathematics and science statewide program to increase
the numbers of low-income and minority students participating and succeeding in AP
mathematics and science. This work was funded in part by the FY13 line item 7035-0035,
augmented by $1,000,000 in private funding.
The statewide program, implemented by Mass Insight Education through their Mass Math +
Science Initiative (MMSI)1, is an AP driven, performance based public-private partnership
operating at scale. MMSI is expanding access to rigorous AP coursework and closing
achievement gaps in more than 50 high schools statewide. This comprehensive program
combines rigor with multiple supports including teacher training, content coaching and
additional learning time for students. The report provides the resuls of this partnership as of
December 2013.
In School Year (SY) 12-13, thirteen new schools participated in the program for the first time.
The total number of AP mathematics and science exams taken by AP mathematics and science
statewide program students in SY12-13 was 7,312. In SY12-13, AP mathematics and science
statewide program students received a total of 3,310 qualifying scores (three or higher) on AP
mathematics and science exams. This is an increase of 16 percent over last year’s total of 2,858.
These funds also provided teacher training and professional development for 212 teachers from
around the state who attended a comprehensive five-day training program for AP teachers in the
following mathematics and science courses: Biology, Calculus, Chemistry, Computer Science,
Environmental Science, Physics and Statistics. In FY14, the Department will partner with the
University of Massachusetts-Donahue Institute to evaluate the program.
Please let me know if I may provide you with any further information. I appreciate your support
for mathematics and science professional development.
Sincerely,
Mitchell D. Chester, Ed.D.
Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education
1
http://www.massinsight.org/mmsi/about/
3
The Advancing Science, Technology,
Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)
through a Mathematics and Science
Advanced Placement (AP) Program
Submitted By:
Jeff Mahoney
December 2013
Report on the Implementation of a Statewide Science and Mathematics
Program
The Advancing Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics
(STEM) through a Mathematics and Science Advanced Placement
(AP) Program
Task 1: Increase participation in Advanced Placement (AP) mathematics and science courses,
particularly among underserved populations, in 61 partner schools:
i.
Identify, establish and maintain partnerships with districts and schools with high
percentages of minority and low-income students.
ii.
Identify and encourage recruitment of minority and low-income students into AP
mathematics and science courses.
iii.
Educate district leaders, teachers, guidance counselors, and parents of minority
and low-income students about equity-in-education issues, as well as the benefits of
the AP program and pursuing a Science, Technology, Engineering, and
Mathematics (STEM) degree and career.
iv.
Assist districts in eliminating barriers that restrict access to AP mathematics and
science courses for students from ethnic, racial, and socioeconomic groups that
have traditionally been underserved.
Current outcomes: In School Year (SY) 12-13, the Massachusetts Mathematics and Science
Initiative (MMSI) entered its fifth year of program implementation. Thirteen new schools
participated in the program for the first time. The map below displays all MMSI schools and the
year they entered the program (referred to as a Cohort):
5
In SY12-13, the MMSI program operated in 17 high schools in 12 of the Commonwealth’s
Gateway Cities of Attleboro, Barnstable, Chelsea, Chicopee, Fall River, Fitchburg, Malden,
Methuen, Peabody, Salem, Springfield and Worcester. Gateway Cities have large minority and
underserved populations and under M.G.L. c. 23A section 3A are defined as a municipality with:



Population greater than 35,000 and less than 250,000
Median household income below the state average
Rate of educational attainment of a bachelor’s degree or above that is below the state
average
In addition, through our outreach and recruitment, MMSI currently has 18 schools on a waitlist
to enter the program. Pending funding, other Gateway City high schools from New Bedford,
Holyoke and a second high school from Chicopee will join the program.
Overall, based on information reported through the Student Information Management System
(SIMS)2, in SY12-13 5,762 students participated in AP mathematics and science courses through
the MMSI program.
2
The data on students, both the number 5,762 and the breakdowns by category, comes from two sources.
First, we request SIMS data from each school. Then, we use that data to build rosters for each class,
which is cross-checked when we ask our teachers to confirm students’ enrollment, and if students are
missing, to add them. Once aggregated, this becomes our final student roster file.
The demographic information of these students disaggregated by race, ethnicity, gender,
disability and socioeconomic status is as follows (we are not able to provide any information on
English achievement at this time):
Table 1.1: Students by Ethnicity
Number of Students
Hispanic or Latino
504
Not Hispanic or Latino
4720
Blank
538
Totals
5762
Source: Student Information Management System SY12-13
Table 1.2: Students by Race
White
Black or African-American
Asian
American Indian or Alaska Native
Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander
Multi-racial Hispanic
Multi-racial Non-Hispanic
Blank
Totals
Number of Students
3883
461
563
26
180
12
99
538
5762
Source: Student Information Management System SY12-13
Table 1.3: Students by Gender
Number of Students
Male
504
Female
4720
Blank
319
Totals
5762
Source: Student Information Management System SY12-13
Table 1.4: Students by Socioeconomic Status
Number of Students
Full Price Lunch
3409
Free Lunch
1452
Reduced Price Lunch
238
Blank
663
Totals
5762
Source: Student Information Management System SY12-13
7
Table 1.5: Students by Special Education Status
Number of Students
Not a SPED Student
4363
Previously a SPED Student
1452
Full Inclusion
27
Partial Inclusion
1
Blank
1357
Totals
5762
Source: Student Information Management System SY12-13
MMSI ensures that all students, including minority and low-income students, will have access to
AP mathematics and science courses by requiring that all participating schools have open access
to these courses. Schools sign a Letter of Agreement with MMSI that precludes any artificial
barriers to taking an AP course.
MMSI personnel attended and spoke at an “AP Kickoff” event that MMSI requires at each of the
61 schools in September and October of 2012. These events serve as an academic “pep rally” for
AP students and outline the goals set for them in the upcoming academic year. These events also
serve as an opportunity to increase student enrollment and the visibility of MMSI and STEM
education. Besides students and faculty, these events were attended by school administrators,
local elected officials, state legislators, parents and local business leaders.
MMSI personnel have also attended AP Parents’ Nights, School Committee Meetings and
regularly make classroom visits in order to increase enrollment, especially among minority and
underserved students, and to promote the benefits of STEM education and careers.
In addition, MMSI has expanded its Student Partner Program to engage corporate and
community partners and to provide STEM career awareness to MMSI students. Companies such
as Thermo-Fisher and State Street Corporation have partnered with MMSI to have employees
participate in a year-long engagement with students in MMSI schools. These engagements
consist of classroom visits, students visiting the workplace and other engagements outside of the
school to promote the value of STEM career pathways.
Task 2: Increase performance in AP mathematics and science courses, particularly among
underserved populations, in 61 partner schools:
i.
Conduct extracurricular study sessions for students of AP mathematics and science
courses.
ii.
Conduct extra test preparation sessions for student taking AP mathematics and science
exams.
iii.
Provide AP mathematics and science exam fee subsidies for low-income eligible
students.
Current outcomes: In SY12-13, MMSI students more than doubled their performance with
scores of three or higher on AP mathematics and science exams with a five-year increase of 107
percent. MMSI students received a total of 3,310 qualifying scores (three or higher) on AP
mathematics and science exams. This is an increase of 16 percent over last year’s total of 2,858.
The demographic information of these students disaggregated by race, ethnicity, gender,
disability and socioeconomic status is as follows:
Table 2.1: Qualifying Scores by Content & Ethnicity
Math
Hispanic
81
White
1078
Black
70
Asian or Pacific Islander
213
American Indian or Alaska Native
3
Other
41
Blanks
4
Totals
1490
Science
107
1338
80
232
8
48
7
1820
Math & Science
188
2416
150
445
11
89
11
3310
Source: College Board SY12-13
Table 2.2: Qualifying Scores by Content & Gender
Math
Male
846
Female
644
Totals
1490
Science
934
886
1820
Math & Science
1780
1530
3310
Source: College Board SY12-13
Table 2.3: Qualifying Scores by Content & Socioeconomic
Math
Low-Income
347
Non-Low-Income
1143
Totals
1490
Science
382
1438
1820
Math & Science
729
2581
3310
Source: College Board SY12-13
The total number of AP mathematics and science exams taken by MMSI students in SY12-13
was 7,312 and the total in SY11-12 was 6,172. This is an increase of 1,140 exams (18 percent).
The tables below break down these exams by content and course:
9
Table 2.4: Exams Taken by Content
Math
3326
Exams Taken
Science
3986
Math & Science
7312
Source: College Board SY12-13
Table 2.5: Exam Distribution by Subject
Exam Distribution Subject
Biology
Calculus AB
Calculus BC
Chemistry
Computer Science A
Environmental Science
Physics B
Physics C: Electricity & Magnetism
Physics C: Mechanics
Statistics
Totals
Qualifying
Scores
751
701
160
338
67
328
341
6
56
562
3310
Grand
Total3
1516
1382
243
700
182
940
693
14
123
1519
7312
Source: College Board SY12-13
MMSI has also provided students with 18 hours more time on task and AP test preparation for
their specific AP mathematics or science class. MMSI held a series of six-hour regional Student
Study Sessions on six Saturdays during the school year. These six sessions were held in each of
our 18 regional clusters of schools for a total of 54 sessions for both mathematics and science.
The tables below reflect the total number of student attendance at these Student Study Sessions
and the specific breakdown of these sessions.4
Table 3.1: Student Study Session Attendance
Number of Sessions
Attendance
Totals
Math
54
54
108
Science
6021
8090
14111
Source: MMSI Attendance SY12-13
All students in the MMSI program receive an AP exam fee subsidy to ensure they are able to
take the exam at the end of the course. The subsidy is either $19.75 or $3.75, depending on
whether or not the student is low-income. MMSI provided a subsidy to 7,084 AP mathematics
and science exams in SY12-13, spending a total of $16,000 in low-income subsidies.
3
Exams taken
These numbers reflect combined attendance at Saturday Study Sessions and are higher than our number
of individual students. For instance, if a student is taking more than one AP mathematics or science
course and attends the study session for each course, they would be counted twice.
4
Table 3.2: Student Study Session Dates and Locations
MMSI Event
Participants
Date
Location
Student Study Session #1 - Science
Student Study Session #1 - Science
Student Study Session #1 - Science
All schools in cluster
All schools in cluster
All schools in cluster
10/13/12
10/13/12
10/20/12
Drury HS
Palmer HS
Malden HS
Student Study Session #1 - Science
All schools in cluster
(Chemistry only)
10/20/12
Frontier RHS
Student Study Session #1 - Science
All schools in cluster
(Physics B only)
10/20/12
Greenfield HS
10/20/12
10/20/12
10/20/12
Methuen HS
Peabody VMHS
Springfield Central HS
10/27/12
UMass Boston
10/27/12
UMass Boston
10/27/12
Mashpee HS
Student Study Session #1 - Science
Student Study Session #1 - Science
Student Study Session #1 - Science
Student Study Session #1 - Science
Student Study Session #1 - Science
Student Study Session #1 - Science
Dracut and Methuen only
All schools in cluster
All schools in cluster
BPS & BOSCHAR
clusters together
BPS & BOSCHAR
clusters together
All schools in cluster
Student Study Session #1 - Science
All schools in cluster (Bio
and APES subjects only)
10/27/12
Greenfield HS
Student Study Session #1 - Science
All schools in cluster
(Physics C only)
10/27/12
JFK Middle School
10/27/12
10/27/12
11/10/12
11/10/12
11/17/12
11/17/12
11/17/12
11/17/12
11/17/12
11/17/12
11/17/12
11/17/12
11/17/12
12/1/12
12/1/12
12/8/12
South Hadley SHS
North HS
Dedham HS
B.M.C. Durfee HS
Attleboro HS
Greenfield HS
West Springfield HS
Marlborough HS
Peabody VMHS
Gardner HS
B.M.C. Durfee HS
Worcester Technical HS
Uxbridge HS
Uxbridge HS
Drury HS
12/8/12
John D. O'Bryant
12/8/12
John D. O'Bryant
12/8/12
12/8/12
12/8/12
Douglas HS
Mashpee HS
Malden HS
Student Study Session #1 - Science
Student Study Session #1 - Science
Student Study Session #1 - Science
Student Study Session #1 - Math
Student Study Session #1 - Science
Student Study Session #1 - Math
Student Study Session #1 - Math
Student Study Session #1 - Science
Student Study Session #1 - Math
Student Study Session #1 - Math
Student Study Session #1 - Science
Student Study Session #1 - Science
Student Study Session #1 - Math
Student Study Session #1 - Math
Student Study Session #1 - Math
Student Study Session #1 - Math
Student Study Session #1 - Math
Student Study Session #1 - Math
Student Study Session #1 - Science
Student Study Session #1 - Math
Student Study Session #1 - Math
All schools in cluster
All schools in cluster
All schools in cluster
All schools in cluster
All schools in cluster
All schools in cluster
All schools in cluster
All schools in cluster
All schools in cluster
All schools in cluster
All schools in cluster
All schools in cluster
All schools in cluster
All schools in cluster
All schools in cluster
All schools in cluster
BPS & BOSCHAR
clusters together
BPS & BOSCHAR
clusters together
All schools in cluster
All schools in cluster
All schools in cluster
11
Student Study Session #1 - Math
Student Study Session #2 - Science
Student Study Session #1 - Math
Student Study Session #1 - Math
Student Study Session #1 - Science
Student Study Session #1 - Math
Student Study Session #1 - Math
Student Study Session #2 - Science
Student Study Session #2 - Science
Student Study Session #2 - Science
Student Study Session #2 - Science
Student Study Session #2 - Science
Student Study Session #2 - Science
Student Study Session #2 - Science
Student Study Session #2 - Science
Student Study Session #2 - Science
Student Study Session #2 - Science
Student Study Session #2 - Science
Student Study Session #2 - Science
Student Study Session #2 - Math
Student Study Session #2 - Math
Student Study Session #2 - Math
Student Study Session #2 - Math
Student Study Session #2 - Math
Student Study Session #2 - Math
Student Study Session #2 - Math
Student Study Session #2 - Math
Student Study Session #2 - Math
Student Study Session #2 - Science
Student Study Session #2 - Math
Student Study Session #2 - Science
Student Study Session #2 - Math
Student Study Session #2 - Science
Student Study Session #3 - Science
Student Study Session #3 - Science
Student Study Session #2 - Science
Student Study Session #2 - Science
Student Study Session #2 - Math
All schools in cluster
All schools in cluster
All schools in cluster
Dracut and Methuen only
All schools in cluster
All schools in cluster
All schools in cluster
All schools in cluster
All schools in cluster
(APES + PhyB subjects
only)
All schools in cluster
All schools in cluster
All schools in cluster
(Chem, Bio, PhyC
subjects only)
All schools in cluster
(Chem, Bio, PhyB
subjects only)
Dracut and Methuen only
All schools in cluster
All schools in cluster
All schools in cluster
BPS & BOSCHAR
clusters together
BPS & BOSCHAR
clusters together
All schools in cluster
All schools in cluster
All schools in cluster
Dracut and Methuen only
All schools in cluster
All schools in cluster
All schools in cluster
All schools in cluster
All schools in cluster
All schools in cluster
495S & GBS together
All schools in cluster
495S & GBS together
All schools in cluster
Dracut and Methuen only
All schools in cluster
All schools in cluster
All schools in cluster
All schools in cluster
12/15/12
12/15/12
12/15/12
12/15/12
12/15/12
12/15/12
12/15/12
1/5/13
Randolph HS
Chicopee HS
Marlborough HS
Dracut Senior HS
Gardner HS
Ware Junior Senior HS
Springfield Central HS
Barnstable HS
1/5/13
Frontier RHS
1/5/13
1/12/13
Narragansett RHS
Norton HS
1/12/13
Northampton HS
1/12/13
Leicester HS
1/19/13
1/26/13
1/26/13
1/26/13
Dracut Senior HS
Chelsea HS
Northbridge HS
Salem HS
2/2/13
UMass Boston
2/2/13
UMass Boston
2/2/13
2/2/13
2/2/13
2/2/13
2/2/13
2/2/13
2/2/13
2/2/13
2/9/13
3/2/13
3/2/13
3/2/13
3/2/13
3/2/13
3/2/13
3/2/13
3/2/13
3/2/13
3/9/13
Bellingham HS
Northampton HS
Chicopee HS
Dracut Senior HS
Narragansett RHS
Leicester HS
Ludlow Senior HS
Springfield Central HS
Salem HS
Ludlow Senior HS
Attleboro HS
Lee HS
Attleboro HS
Dracut Senior HS
Danvers HS
Whitman-Hanson RHS
South HCS
Nipmuc HS
Student Study Session #2 - Math
Student Study Session #3 - Science
Student Study Session #2 - Math
Student Study Session #2 - Math
Student Study Session #2 - Math
Student Study Session #3 - Science
Student Study Session #2 - Math
Student Study Session #2 - Math
Student Study Session #2 - Math
Student Study Session #3 - Math
Student Study Session #2 - Science
Student Study Session #3 - Science
Student Study Session #3 - Science
Student Study Session #2 - Math
Student Study Session #2 - Science
Student Study Session #2 - Science
Student Study Session #3 - Science
Student Study Session #3 - Science
Student Study Session #3 - Math
Student Study Session #3 - Math
Student Study Session #3 - Math
Student Study Session #3 - Science
Student Study Session #3 - Math
Student Study Session #3 - Science
Student Study Session #3 - Math
Student Study Session #3 - Science
Student Study Session #3 - Math
Student Study Session #3 - Science
Student Study Session #3 - Math
Student Study Session #3 - Math
Student Study Session #3 - Math
Student Study Session #3 - Science
Student Study Session #2 - Math
Student Study Session #3 - Math
All schools in cluster
All schools in cluster
Mashpee only
Barnstable only - part 1
All schools in cluster
495S & GBS APES
together
All schools in cluster
BPS & BOSCHAR
clusters together
BPS & BOSCHAR
clusters together
All schools in cluster
All subjects except APES
All schools in cluster
All schools in cluster
Barnstable only - part 2
All schools in cluster
(APES only)
All schools in cluster
BPS & BOSCHAR
clusters together
BPS & BOSCHAR
clusters together
All schools in cluster
All schools in cluster
All schools in cluster
All schools in cluster
All schools in cluster
All schools in cluster
All schools in cluster
All schools in cluster
Dracut and Methuen only
All schools in cluster
All schools in cluster
All schools in cluster
All schools in cluster
All schools in cluster
All schools in cluster
All schools in cluster
3/9/13
3/9/13
3/11/13
3/14/13
3/16/13
Middleborough HS
Barnstable HS
Mashpee HS
Barnstable HS
Malden HS
3/16/13
Attleboro HS
3/16/13
Drury HS
3/16/13
East Boston HS
3/16/13
East Boston HS
3/16/13
3/16/13
3/16/13
3/16/13
3/21/13
Douglas HS
Dedham HS
Agawam HS
Quaboag RMHS
Barnstable HS
3/23/13
Auburn HS
3/23/13
Springfield Central HS
3/23/13
UMass Boston
3/23/13
UMass Boston
3/23/13
3/23/13
4/6/13
4/6/13
4/6/13
4/6/13
4/6/13
4/6/13
4/6/13
4/6/13
4/6/13
4/6/13
4/6/13
4/6/13
4/13/13
4/27/13
Greenfield HS
Danvers HS
Norton HS
Drury HS
Mashpee HS
Malden HS
Dedham HS
Northampton HS
Methuen HS
Fitchburg HS
Palmer HS
East Bridgewater HS
Springfield Central HS
Worcester Technical HS
South HCS
Lee HS
John D. O'Bryant School
of Mathematics and
Science
John D. O'Bryant School
of Mathematics and
Science
Uxbridge HS
Student Study Session #3 - Math
BPS & BOSCHAR
clusters together
4/27/13
Student Study Session #3 - Math
BPS & BOSCHAR
clusters together
4/27/13
All schools in cluster
4/27/13
Student Study Session #3 - Science
13
Student Study Session #3 - Math
Student Study Session #3 - Science
Student Study Session #3 - Science
Student Study Session #3 - Math
Student Study Session #3 - Science
Student Study Session #3 - Science
Student Study Session #3 - Science
Student Study Session #3 - Math
Student Study Session #3 - Math
Student Study Session #3 - Math
Student Study Session #3 - Math
Source: MMSI Attendance SY12-13
All schools in cluster
All schools in cluster
All schools in cluster
All schools in cluster
All schools in cluster
All schools in cluster
All schools in cluster
All schools in cluster
All schools in cluster
All schools in cluster
All schools in cluster
4/27/13
4/27/13
4/27/13
4/27/13
4/27/13
4/27/13
4/27/13
4/27/13
5/4/13
5/4/13
5/4/13
Chelsea HS
Randolph HS
Nipmuc HS
Athol HS
Auburn HS
Middleborough HS
Springfield Central HS
North HS
Agawam HS
Marlborough HS
Auburn HS
Task 3: Increase the number of new and/or additional AP mathematics and science courses
offered by the partner districts and schools:
i.
Support teacher professional development to current and newly recruited AP
mathematics and science teachers.
ii.
Conduct or fund teachers to attend the College Board endorsed AP summer institute
for AP mathematics and science teachers.
iii.
Provide curriculum alignment support to ensure alignment between the AP program
and existing district curriculum, particularly the district’s STEM curriculum.
iv.
Provide guidance and funds for equipment and supplies for new and expanded AP
mathematics and science courses.
v.
Establish criteria and monitor teacher effectiveness and fidelity for implementation of
the AP mathematics and science course/program.
Current outcomes: In SY12-13, a total of 31 MMSI schools added 43 new AP mathematics
and science courses, with 737 students participating in these additional classes. The breakdown
of the classes is below:
Table 4.1: New Courses & Students in New Courses
New Courses
AP Calculus BC
2
AP Computer Science
5
AP Statistics
13
AP Biology
3
AP Chemistry
2
AP Environmental Science
9
AP Physics B
8
AP Physics C (Mechanics)
1
Totals
43
Students in New Courses
14
86
227
47
35
152
160
16
737
Source: MMSI Schools’ Data SY12-13
With regard to teacher training and professional development, MMSI held its Advanced
Placement Summer Institute (APSI) July 29th-August 2nd, 2013 at Bridgewater State University.
This institute is a comprehensive five-day training program for AP teachers in the following
mathematics and science courses: Biology, Calculus, Chemistry, Computer Science,
Environmental Science, Physics and Statistics. MMSI had 212 teachers from around the state
attend APSI. Table 5.1 below shows how many teachers from each subject attended the training.
Please note that we do not have demographic information for MMSI AP teachers.
Table 5.1: Advanced Placement Summer Institute Teacher Attendance
Attendance
Math
97
Science
115
Total
212
Source: MMSI Attendance SY12-13
15
In addition, MMSI held two-day training sessions in the fall for AP mathematics and science
teachers. These sessions are taught by content experts from around the country and are open to
new and current MMSI AP. The course and number of teachers attending is listed below:
Table 5.2: 2-Day Training Attendance
Number of Teachers
AP Calculus AB
57
AP Calculus BC
6
AP Computer Science
11
AP Statistics
55
Math subtotal
129
AP Biology
56
AP Chemistry
36
AP Environmental Science
42
AP Physics B
27
AP Physics C
3
Science Subtotal
164
Total
293
Source: Student Information Management System SY12-13
MMSI appoints a Lead Teacher in each of its school districts. The Lead Teachers, in
consultation with MMSI Content Directors, are required to hold four Vertical Team meetings
with teachers from across middle and high school grades throughout the school year to help
ensure curricular alignment. Each cluster of schools held their Vertical Team meetings
sometime between August 28, 2012 and June 11, 2013. A total of 120 mathematics meetings
and 117 science meetings were held.
MMSI Content Directors, who are experienced former AP teachers, are a resource available to
all MMSI teachers to help ensure teacher effectiveness. They also make school and classroom
visits to MMSI schools throughout the year to monitor these teachers.
MMSI has purchased over $136,000 worth of equipment and supplies this past school year to
support mathematics and science classes in school districts. Examples of these items for
mathematics include new text books, such as Practice of Statistics, document cameras, and TI-84
calculators. For science, MMSI ordered science kits and lab materials, such as test tubes,
temperature probes, and pH Sensors.
Task 4: Work in conjunction with the statewide Race to the Top (RTTT) pre-AP teacher
training program (4D) to align efforts of both programs in those districts participating in both
programs:
i.
Assist vertical teams of grade 6-10 pre-AP and AP trained mathematics and science
teachers to assess the district STEM curriculum, integrate Laying the Foundation
materials, and suggest possible STEM pathways.
Current Outcomes
MMSI has continued to work in conjunction with the MMSI Advancing College Readiness
(ACR) RTTT pre-AP program in districts that are participating in both programs. During Math
Vertical Team meetings in Chicopee and Science Vertical Team meetings in Malden, AP
Calculus, and AP Biology open-response questions were deconstructed in such a way that made
them accessible to all grade 6-12 students. As a result of these activities, all teachers on the
Vertical Team, including middle school teachers, have the ability to introduce the concept of AP
to their students. In addition to discussing AP, these questions foster discussions with students
about studying STEM subjects in college and STEM careers.
Several MMSI districts have requested additional training in the use of graphing calculators (TINspire™), PASCO SPARK Units, and associated probes. This training is focused on the use of
technology for specific Pre-AP activities. The expectation is that teachers will implement the
activities that they perform during the Vertical Team Meetings in their classrooms before the
next Vertical Team Meeting, thus reinforcing their ability to use technology. The use of this
technology introduces, in a very concrete manner, the use of instrumentation in STEM fields.
Additional training in technology has been provided in Whitman-Hanson, Chicopee and
Worcester.
In Worcester, a cohort of mathematics teachers was added to attend some of the Science Vertical
Team Meetings, as well as attend Pre-AP training. A team of middle school mathematics and
science teachers received additional technology training focusing on the use of the TI-Nspire™
graphing calculators and motion detectors. In Pittsfield, a cohort of science teachers has joined
Pre-AP training. In both instances the connection between mathematics and science curricula,
both Pre-AP and AP, is being emphasized.
MMSI ACR has begun embedding Pre-AP activities into district curricula. This work has begun
in Boston, Chicopee and Worcester and will continue to expand to other districts.
Conclusion
The number of MMSI students taking mathematics and science classes in SY12-13 increased to
5,762, up from 4,780 in SY11-12. The total amount of enrollments (to account for students
taking multiple AP mathematics and science classes) was 7,303 in SY12-13, up from 6,338 in
SY11-12. MMSI is also excited to report that the rate of AP examination participation among AP
students has risen to 53 percent in MMSI schools since 2008, while non-MMSI comparison
schools remain at a 19 percent rate for examination taking among AP students.
MMSI also continues to make progress in closing the achievement gap. There was a substantial
jump in qualifying scores for minorities in MMSI schools: +26 percent (from 490 to 619).
17
Although the MMSI program is only in approximately 20 percent of Massachusetts high schools,
4 out the top 10 schools in Massachusetts for minority qualifying scores in mathematics and
science were MMSI schools. Among the top 12 schools for minority scores in science, 8 were
MMSI schools. In mathematics, 3 of the top 8 schools were MMSI schools. In AP Biology, the
top 2 schools with minority qualifying scores were Worcester Burncoat and Chelsea High
School, which are both MMSI schools. The third place school was Boston Latin.
MMSI continues to see a demand in high schools for the program, with up to 20 additional high
schools wishing to enter the program in the next school year. MMSI would welcome the
opportunity to provide any further data and information as requested.