NEWS RELASE
August 27, 2014
The Governor and the State Department of Education Announce
Significant Improvements in State AP Results
Alabama ranks number one in math, science and English AP score increases
Montgomery, Ala. –Today, Governor Robert Bentley announced Alabama ranks number one in the
nation in percent growth of students achieving qualifying scores on math, science, and English Advanced
Placement* (AP) exams, with a 136% increase over the last six years. Additionally, the results show even
higher percentage increases in math, science and English qualifying scores for minority students over
the last six years -- an amazing 232% increase compared to a national increase of 112%, ranking
Alabama as number one among all states with significant minority populations** in percent increases
for minorities.
Governor Bentley congratulated the AP students and teachers saying, “Alabama students are succeeding
in AP classes at unprecedented rates. A+ College Ready is a good investment that is preparing our
students for college-level courses and career. It is a good day in Alabama when we see so many of our
students from different backgrounds succeeding in AP courses.”
The Alabama State Department of Education and A+ College Ready partner in implementing the
Advanced Placement Training and Incentive Program, which provides intensive professional
development and ongoing support for teachers and students. Results show that program schools
achieve an average 95% increase in passing Advanced Placement (AP) scores in their first year of
participation – 14 times greater than the national average.
State Superintendent of Education Dr. Tommy Bice said, "We are proud to be a part of the successful AP
program, which has resulted in thousands of students across the state being offered opportunity and
access to academically challenging and inspiring courses. We feel strongly that even more students will
take advantage of AP classes and continue to improve and achieve."
Preston Bolt, chair of the A+ Board, introduced educators and students from four high schools that
achieved excellent results in their first year in the program: Excel High School in Monroe County,
Guntersville High School in Guntersville City, Opp High School in Opp City and Sardis High School in
Etowah County. They joined Governor Bentley and Dr. Bice for a panel discussion centered on what
participation in the AP program means to them and how it has affected the culture of their school.
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 2014-15, The ALSDE/A+ College Ready AP Initiative will support 118 schools in 54 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.
*Advanced Placement and AP are registered trademarks of the College Board.
** For the 39 states with at least 6000 minority students.
For more information, contact:
Mary Boehm — 205-257-5350 (office) or 205-541-2833 (cell), marydboehm@bellsouth.net
Andrew Mitchell – 205-257-5351, Andrew@aplusala.org
Jill West — 334-279-1886, jill@aplusala.org
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