On August 29, 2007, Governor Mike Beebe announced at a news conference that Arkansas is one of only seven states to receive a $13.2 million grant from the National Math and Science Initiative to improve the Advanced Placement scores of students. Exxon Mobil Corporation has invested $125 million to support this national initiative. The goal of the program is to increase the number of students scoring 3 or higher on Advanced Placement (AP) exams in math, science and English. The grant will be administered by a new non-profit foundation, Arkansas Advanced Initiative for Math and Science, Inc. (AAIMS). Ms. Tommie Sue Anthony is the President of the foundation. The University of Arkansas at Little Rock is the supporting partner. The Arkansas Department of Education and the Governor's office were closely involved with the grant proposal and fully support the grant.
The grant will extend for six years. Arkansas' winning proposal provides for up to 21 high schools to participate in the grant. The first group of up to 11 schools will be selected in November, with an additional group of up to 10 schools selected during the 2008-2009 school year. The grant requires that the highly successful Advanced Placement Strategies, Inc. of Texas model be replicated in the selected schools.
The program features:
- Annual financial incentives for teachers, students, and schools based on AP exam results
- Cultivation of lead teachers to mentor a vertical team of AP and Pre-AP teachers
- Advanced-level, content-focused training for AP and Pre-AP teachers in math, science, and English courses
- More time on task for students, including Saturday AP exam prep sessions
- Measurement and accountability for results
This grant will provide a process to fast-forward the progress that Arkansas students are already making in Advanced Placement scores of 3-5.
The Request for Proposal (RFP) to participate in this exciting opportunity is attached. The selection process will include a site visit by a team from AAIMS. Selected schools will be announced in December.
THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMITTING PROPOSALS IS OCTOBER 15, 2007.