A program to increase the number of students taking and passing Advanced Placement tests has produced a 70 percent increase in the number of students passing such tests at participating high schools, the Colorado Legacy Foundation announced Tuesday.
The foundation last year partnered with the National Math and Science Initiative in a $10.5 million program to expand student AP participation at 13 high schools.
The results were celebrated during a rally at Arvada High School, one of the schools that participated during the 2012-13 school year.
“These results represent a 70 percent increase in the number of students who earned a passing score of three or more on the math, science and English AP exam,” said Helayne Jones, president of the foundation. “These outstanding results equate to 522 new high school students who have had the opportunity to participate and succeed in rigorous AP coursework.”
Other participating schools included Abraham Lincoln High in Denver, Aurora Central High, Centennial High in Pueblo, Central High in Grand Junction, Fountain-Fort Carson High, Fruita Monument High, Grand Junction High, James Irwin High in Colorado Springs, Mesa Ridge High in Colorado Springs, Northglenn High, Vista Ridge High in Colorado Springs, and Widefield High.
The program is adding a new set of schools, including Delta High, Denver South High, Greeley Central High, Harrison High in Colorado Springs, Northridge High in Greeley, Pueblo South High, Rangeview High in Aurora, Sand Creek High in Colorado Springs, Skyline High in Longmont and Thomas Jefferson High in Denver.
Schools participating in the program received funding for teacher training, financial awards to both students and teachers for qualifying test scores, stipends for teacher time out of the classroom, student study sessions, exam fees, equipment and supplies.