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Advanced placement achievement higher than state, national average
ATTLEBORO - City high school students are receiving top scores in advanced math, science and English courses at a rate far higher than the state and national average, according to the Massachusetts Math and Science Initiative.
After only one year of a program designed to boost participation in high-value advanced placement courses, Attleboro High students are earning top scores on national tests at a rate of 180 per 1,000 enrolled juniors and seniors. That's better than the rate of 160 for all Massachusetts schools and 115 for schools nationally.
Mort Orloff, president of the Massachusetts Math and Science Initiative, said enrollment in advanced courses at Attleboro High jumped from only 126 in 2008 to 249 in 2010 and 333 for the current school year.
Overall, 150 AHS students received scores of 3 or better in the College Board administered tests that allow students to receive advanced placement or college credit when they go on to higher learning.
Orloff, who addressed the school committee on the results Monday night, said he was impressed by the vast increase in both the number of students taking challenging courses and the high percentage who are achieving top scores. "It shows that students are taking responsibility for their own outcomes," said Orloff, who added that students are flocking to the advanced courses to learn more and be better prepared for college work.
National surveys show that students who participate in challenging courses in high school get better grades and are more likely to complete their studies than other students.
Superintendent Pia Durkin said parents and students have embraced the challenge of advanced placement courses.
"Even when I'm addressing a group of middle school parents, parents tell me that they want their child to go to college and be successful, and they're interested in advanced placement," she said.
Two years ago, the school department received a $670,000 grant from the Massachusetts Math and Science Initiative for stipends, teacher training and student incentives to increase participation in advanced placement.
Since 2008, the number of students enrolled in AP math, science and English courses increased 300 percent according to initiative figures. High School Principal Jeff Newman said interest in advanced study seems to be catching. While not officially part of the initiative program, student enrollment in the school's advanced placement history classes is also expanding.
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