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Teachers at U.S. Grant High School Ecstatic About AP


Today marks another kick-off event for the implementation of our Comprehensive AP Program in Oklahoma’s US Grant High School, and we are simply beside ourselves withexcitement. More excited than us, though, are the teachers of U.S. Grant High School, because they know how important this program is for their school and their students. According to AP Calculus teacher Lam Pham, he believes the program will truly prepare his students for college because they aren’t just relying on shortcuts to survive math; they’re actually learning how to understand and process the information without his help. On the other end of the spectrum, AP Literature teacher Sue Powers is excited about the program because many of her students will be first time high school graduates, and this program will give them the confidence and ability to go on to college. For her students, it’s beyond a stepping stone to entering college; it’s a four-lane highway to college success. However, the program isn’t just for the students. Both of these teachers and their peers have received rigorous teacher training and support from NMSI, along with a wealth of resources to help them help their students.
 
U.S. Grant High School is more prepared than ever to be a college- and career-ready center for their students, and we can’t wait to see the results. Check out the press release below for more information about the program and the expected outcomes for the school.
 
National Math and Science Initiative Expands Comprehensive Advanced Placement Program at Oklahoma City's U.S. Grant High School
 
Oklahoma City (Nov. 15, 2013) – The National Math and Science Initiative (NMSI) announced today that its Comprehensive Advanced Placement (AP) program will expand to U.S. Grant High School, in the Oklahoma City School District, thanks to the generosity of a partnership with Boeing and the Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE).
 
Boeing has made a $225,000 commitment to make the program possible at U.S. Grant High School. The company's donation will be combined with a $225,000 grant from the OSDE to expand and enhance advanced coursework offerings at the Oklahoma City high school.
 
"I am thrilled for the students at U.S. Grant who will participate in this important program," said State Superintendent Janet Barresi. "The students and the educators at Grant have worked hard over the past few years to boost their academic performance. They have proven they are ready for this challenge. I'm grateful to NMSI for the support they provide students and teachers. I'm also thankful for sponsors, such as Boeing, that help make these programs a reality in our schools."
 
Dale Fleury, NMSI senior director of programs, said, “We are excited for the opportunity to help prepare more students for college in Oklahoma by partnering with the Oklahoma Department of Education and the Boeing Company. Bringing the comprehensive AP Program to U.S. Grant High School will build a stronger STEM pipeline in the state and positively impact the lives of hundreds of students."
 
Steve Goo, Boeing vice president and Oklahoma site executive, said, “This grant is more than just an announcement and celebration - it is a chance for everyone in this community to collectively help all students at US Grant High School succeed when it comes to achieving their life goals.”
 
The goal of the NMSI program is to increase the number and diversity of secondary school graduates who are math-and-science proficient and who choose STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) careers. Program components include study sessions outside of normal school hours as well as intense training for current AP teachers and teachers in grades 6-12 who will build the pipeline of students who are AP-ready.
 
In addition to the opportunity to earn college credit, participation in the AP program also increases students' chances of succeeding in college. Students who pass an AP exam are three times more likely to complete their college education. For minority students, that multiplier is even greater: African-American and Hispanic students who succeed in AP courses are four times more likely to graduate from college.
 
The NMSI Comprehensive AP Program is expected to increase enrollment in math, science and English AP courses at U.S. Grant by 164 percent this school year and resulting in a significant increase in qualifying scores.
 
"Advanced Placement course work increases success rates for college bound students, elevates student commitment and improves critical thinking skills. The staff at US Grant High School continues to work toward continuous student achievement and is focused on taking  students to college doors fully prepared; this grant assists in making this possible," said Tami Sanders, OKCPS Executive Director of Secondary Schools.
 About National Math and Science Initiative (NMSI): NMSI, a non-profit organization, was launched in 2007 by top leaders in business, education, and science to transform education in the United States. NMSI has received national recognition for training K–12 teachers and improving student performance through the rapid expansion of highly successful programs: NMSI's Comprehensive AP Program, NMSI Teacher Training Program, and UT Austin’s UTeach Program. Inaugural funding for NMSI was provided by the Exxon Mobil Corporation, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation.For more information, visit www.nms.org.