Aberdeen High School Awarded National Math and Science Initiative School of the Year
January 17, 2014
NMSI and The Boeing Company team up to provide comprehensive program to boost student achievement in math, science and English classes
Aberdeen selected out of 465 participating schools nationwide for award
ABERDEEN – The National Math and Science Initiative (NMSI) announced today that Aberdeen High School (AHS) of Aberdeen, Md., has been selected as the “School of the Year” for its outstanding gains in student achievement. NMSI and Boeing, the local program sponsor, presented the award to Aberdeen students and faculty at a special celebration today featuring leadership from the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, Joining Forces and Aberdeen Proving Ground, a local U.S. Army installation.
“NMSI is thrilled to recognize Aberdeen as NMSI School of the Year and to highlight the incredible achievements of these students and teachers, many of whom are directly impacted by the Aberdeen Proving Ground” said Gregg Fleisher, NMSI Chief Academic Officer. “Aberdeen’s gains in just the first year of the program are truly remarkable, and unsurpassed by any of the schools we work with nationwide.”
Aberdeen High School received “School of the Year” recognition after students and teachers achieved unprecedented gains in scores on Advanced Placement* (AP) math, science and English exams in 2012-2013. This past school year marked the first that Aberdeen participated in NMSI’s Comprehensive AP program, which provides teacher training and support, more time on task for students, incentives for students and teachers and other tools for improving teacher effectiveness and student success in rigorous AP and pre-AP coursework. In 2013, the 52 schools in the NMSI program for military families saw a 67 percent increase in passing math, science and English AP scores – more than nine times the national average while African-American and Hispanic students saw an 80 percent increase. Females saw a 62 percent increase in passing math and science AP scores.
“The Obama Administration is committed to raising STEM achievement levels in America’s classrooms,” said Dr. Patricia Falcone, Associate Director for National Security and International Affairs in the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. “We’re excited about NMSI’s efforts to ensure consistent, rigorous educational opportunities for our nation’s military families, and we congratulate Aberdeen High School on its impressive performance.”
The average first year increase in the number of passing AP math, science and English scores at Aberdeen High School was 137 percent —19 times the national average. For minority students at AHS, the average increase in the number of passing math, science and English scores was 233 percent— 16 times the national average. To achieve a passing score, students must earn a three or higher on a five-point scale, making them eligible for college credit at most colleges and universities.
With the generous support of Boeing, the NMSI Comprehensive AP program was implemented at Aberdeen High School, in addition to three high schools in Ohio, Virginia and Oklahoma, as part of NMSI’s nationwide effort to support schools that serve students from military families. NMSI’s AP program for military families was launched in 2010 in four schools in two states, and has expanded to 71 high schools in 18 states, with the goal of ultimately reaching a network of 200 schools that serve military families. Five additional schools are projected to join the program in the fall.
“Aberdeen High School’s success is indicative of how programs like this raise the bar for academic excellence by supporting not just students, but also their families, school leaders and teachers,” said Lianne Stein, vice president, Boeing Global Corporate Citizenship. “At Boeing we strive to ensure that students develop skills like critical thinking and creativity, and excel in math, science and English fields, so that they can achieve their dreams with the preparation necessary for ongoing academic and career success.”
Nearby Havre de Grace High School in Havre de Grace, Md., is also being recognized by NMSI today for its exceptional AP results. Together, Havre de Grace and Aberdeen High School accounted for 14 percent of the entire state’s math, science and English increase in AP passing scores and also accounted for 11 percent of the increase in AP passing scores in math and science for females.
“Aberdeen and Havre de Grace High schools should be applauded for achieving national recognition for their increased participation and qualifying scores in advanced placement coursework,” said Harford County Public Schools Superintendent Barbara P. Canavan. “We are thrilled that Aberdeen High School has been named NMSI’s School of the Year. It is truly an honor that is well deserved. We are grateful to instructional and administrative staff, NMSI, Boeing and DoDEA for providing this unprecedented opportunity to our students.”
About 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 3-12 teachers and improving student performance through the rapid expansion of these highly successful programs: NMSI 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, the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation. For more information, visit www.nms.org.
About Boeing: Boeing is the world's leading aerospace company and the largest manufacturer of commercial jetliners and military aircraft combined. Additionally, Boeing designs and manufactures rotorcraft, electronic and defense systems, missiles, satellites, launch vehicles and advanced information and communication systems. As a major service provider to NASA, Boeing is the prime contractor for the International Space Station. The company also provides numerous military and commercial airline support services. Boeing provides products and support services to customers in 150 countries and is one of the largest U.S. exporters in terms of sales. Headquartered in Chicago, Boeing employs more than 170,000 people across the United States and in 70 countries. Total company revenues for 2012 were $81.7 billion.
*Advanced Placement and AP are registered trademarks of the College Board.
Media Contact: Mary Ortiz, 214-346-1245 or mortiz@nms.org
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