ADE Director's Communication Memo Form


Memo Number : LS-10-005

Date Created : 08/19/2009

Attention:

Superintendents
Co-op Directors
Secondary Principals
High School Principals

Type of Memo: Informational
Response Required: Optional
   
Section:   Learning Services - Dr. Laura Bednar, Assistant Commissioner
Subject:
Arkansas Advanced Initiative for Math and Science (AAIMS) Grant

Regulatory Authority:
None

Contact Person:
Ms. Tommie Sue Anthony

Phone Number:
501.683.7684

E-mail:
tsanthony@ualr.edu

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 (UALR) is the supporting partner. The Arkansas Department of Education (ADE)and the Governor’s office were closely involved with the grant proposal.

The six year grant will extend for four more years. Arkansas’ winning proposal provides for 30 high schools to participate over the life of the grant. The first group of 10 schools was selected in December, 2007; thirteen schools were selected during the 2008-2009 school year and seven schools will be added for the 2009-2010 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 January 2010.
THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMITTING PROPOSALS IS OCTOBER 9, 2009.

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