Published in the July 24, 2015 edition
MELROSE — Melrose High School has made great gains on students’ Advanced Placement (AP) math, science and English scores in partnership with Mass Insight Education (MIE), according to information just released by the College Board.
In its first year of partnership with Mass Insight Education, Melrose High School has increased their qualifying scores in STEM and English AP courses from 159 in 2014 to 259 in 2015. Students achieved 92 qualifying scores in AP Sciences, 91 in AP Math, and 71 in AP English, with the greatest number of qualifying scores in AP Statistics (46) and AP English Language and Composition (45).
Principal Marianne Farrell said, “We are proud of our students and staff who participated in the AP programs. Our success in the first year is amazing. We have already exceeded the three year projection for qualifying scores. Time to set some new goals. “
AP courses are college-level classes taught in high school. Each course culminates with a May exam designed to measure each student’s mastery of the subject. Exams are graded on a scale of 1-5, with scores of 3, 4 and 5 considered passing or “qualifying” scores. More than 90 percent of four-year colleges in the United States give students credit, advanced placement or both on the basis of AP Exam scores, which makes the MIE program a leader in supporting the future college success of Melrose High School students
MIE expands access and improves outcomes in college-level courses, particularly among black, Hispanic, low-income, female and other student groups under-represented by AP classes, in order to prepare them for college and career success. The MIE approach includes extensive teacher training and mentoring, Saturday study sessions and other academic supports for students and privately-funded financial awards for teachers and students. Schools participating in the program sign performance agreements with MIE, which include specific enrollment and achievement targets. 2014-2015 was Melrose High School’s first year in the program.
“These results demonstrate Melrose High School’s thorough understanding of the importance of college success. It is thanks to the superintendent, the teachers, the parents of the students, and most importantly the students themselves, that Melrose High School has established itself as a high-performing school of rigorous academic content. We are proud of these students and their accomplishments,” stated William Guenther, CEO of Mass Insight Education.
MIE, the largest statewide high school science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education program, now partners with 70 Massachusetts high schools. MIE engages with 10,000 students and over 500 teachers, having already developed an alumni base of 15,000. All 15,000 alumni are currently attending college or have completed a STEM degree. Currently, 85% of their low-income students are persisting in college compared to the 68% statewide.
