A+ College Ready Celebrates Remarkable State Results

A+ College Ready raises funds from the private sector and partners with the State Board of Education to support its work and expansion. It now reaches approximately one-fourth of Alabama’s public high schools since adding an additional 12 schools for the 2012-13 year. A division of A+ Education Partnership, A+ College Ready demonstrates that Alabama students are capable of more rigorous studies, and supports them in their journey to college and careers.

There has been much focus lately on how America is lagging behind other countries in math and science education in its K-12 system, and how U.S. students are not well prepared for success beyond high school. (Review Change the Equation’s 2012 Vital Signs report, and U.S. Ed Reform & National Security report from the Council on Foreign Relations for some references).

But Alabama’s progress has been remarkable in the past few years, largely because of its investment and focus on AP courses better preparing students for college and careers.

“The intense support provided through A+ College Ready’s Advanced Placement Training and Incentive Program (APTIP) has resulted in 64 program schools achieving an average 110% increase in passing math, science and English qualifying scores during their first year of participation.  This increase is well above the national average,” said A+ College Ready President, Mary Boehm.  “We are so proud of the contribution that the teachers and students in these schools have made to the state’s overall AP success.”

A member of the National Honor Society, Jonothan has taken or is currently enrolled in seven AP classes to better prepare him for success in college. His goal is to enter Pre-med studies at the University of Alabama.  Thus far, he has made 4 qualifying scores on the AP exams, so he is well on his way. 

There is great potential in every child, regardless of their families’ demographic status and economic challenges. Alabama is stepping up to bring more opportunity for students to challenge themselves, discover their own potential, and get on a path to succeed in higher-levels of education – which truly benefits us all as Alabama citizens.

When Governor Bentley congratulated the Advanced Placement students, he was addressing the future of Alabama and shining a light on its true potential for greatness.

Click here for a list of A+ College Ready program schools

Click here for a list of public and private A+ College Ready sponsors