Schools in National Math and Science Initiative for Military Families Achieve Record Results on AP Exams in 2011-12

DALLAS, Oct. 3, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- New College Board results confirm that schools in the National Math and Science Initiative for Military Families (IMF) dramatically increased their performance in Advanced Placement* math, science and English classes during 2011-2012  – most after just one year in the program.

The AP exam results for 29 high schools participating in the IMF program in 10 states showed an average 64 percent increase in qualifying scores on AP math, science and English exams. The increase in AP math and science scores alone was 85 percent, which is nine times the national average. A score of three or higher on a five-point scale is considered a qualifying score and can make a student eligible for college credit.

"These results are phenomenal. They will open doors to college for these students. Many of them have parents who are serving our country in the military and have had to make sacrifices themselves," said Gregg Fleisher, Senior Vice President of the National Math and Science Initiative (NMSI). "This AP program gives them the skills they will need to succeed in a more complicated world." 

The overall goal of IMF is to support children in military families by providing consistent, high-quality coursework through NMSI's highly successful AP Training and Incentive Program. Although the IMF targets schools serving military dependents, the program is open to all students in participating high schools who are eligible for AP classes. Program components include study sessions outside of normal school hours as well as specialized training for the AP teachers. Access to the college-level AP courses not only gives students the opportunity to earn college credit, but also increases their chances of succeeding in college. Students who pass an AP exam are three times more likely to complete their college education.

The IMF was launched in 2010 in four schools in two states, expanded to 29 schools in 10 states in 2011, and is being implemented in 52 high schools in 15 states this fall. 

More than one million children have had a parent deployed during the last eight years. In all, there are more than two million children of active duty, National Guard and reserve military in the U.S.

The long separations, concerns about parent safety, and frequent transfers can be particularly hard on children whose parents protect our country. Many of those students are transferred six to nine times during their school career. Because the AP curriculum is uniform across the country, the IMF provides continuity and quality coursework for students when their families are transferred.

Inaugural funding to launch the IMF in 2010 was provided by Lockheed Martin Corporation. Major funding to add high schools is being provided by the Army Education Outreach Program, BAE Systems, The Boeing Company, the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA), the ExxonMobil Corporation, the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation,  the Office of Naval Research, and Northrop Grumman.  With additional funding, it is anticipated the IMF can be expanded to 150 public high schools, ensuring that a high percentage of military families will be served.

NMSI, a non-profit organization established in 2007 to improve math and science achievement in American public schools, is leading this public-private effort in partnership with the Military Child Education Coalition (MCEC), the Military Impacted Schools Association (MISA), and the White House Joining Forces campaign to support military families.  For more information, visit www.nationalmathandscience.org.

Contact:  Rena Pederson, NMSI communications director, at (214) 346-1218 [email protected].

*AP and Advanced Placement Program are registered trademarks of the College Board.

SOURCE National Math and Science Initiative