Russellville hosts AP Celebration
Since its beginnings in 2008, the A+ College Ready Program has massively impacted students’ lives, nowhere more so than in Alabama, which is No. 1 in percent growth in qualifying scores in Advanced Placement math, science and English.
Russellville High School has seen exemplary progress over the past three years from using the program. In 2017, students earned 60 qualifying scores.
In honor of RHS’ growth, A+ College Ready recognized the school as a School of Excellence and chose it to be the location of a statewide AP Celebration Sept. 21. Students, faculty, staff and community members showed up in support of RHS’ success.
Superintendent Heath Grimes, Principal Jason Goodwin, A+ College Ready staff and students and teachers with personal testimonies delivered heartfelt speeches for the occasion.
“Our students exceeded the goal set before them and developed a mindset that they would be better prepared for life after high school,” Goodwin said.
Goodwin said the program has seen substantial growth over the past three years from just 120 to about 2,500 enrollments, which is a 122 percent growth. The normal goal, he said, is 10 percent growth.
“Our teachers and students are the most important and influential aspect, and their dedication has been incredible,” he said.
The celebration also highlighted the amount of work teachers put into the AP program to meet A+ College Ready standards. Tammy Dunn, vice president of academic affairs for A+ College Ready, said teachers become students themselves. During the summer, they have their own training and classes to attend that teach them the curriculum and how to best educate the students.
“The program has empowered our teachers and students through rigorous challenges, and they have exceeded our high expectations,” Grimes said.
At the celebration, other state Schools of Excellence were recognized: Albert P. Brewer High School, Carroll High School, Prattville High School and West Point High School. Schools of Distinction were also announced: Gulf Shores High School, Leeds High School and Springville High School.
