Report to the Legislature:Advancing Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) through a Mathematics and Science Advanced Placement (AP) ProgramThe Fiscal Year 2013 budget, Chapter 139 of the Acts of 2012 line item, 7035-0035, provided a competitively bid, statewide performance based, integrated program to increase participation and performance in advanced placement courses, particularly among underserved populations, to prepare students for college and career success in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

March 2014  

Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education75 Pleasant Street, Malden, MA 02148-4906Phone 781-338-3000 TTY: N.E.T. Relay 800-439-2370www.doe.mass.edu

This document was prepared by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

Mitchell D. Chester, Ed.D.Commissioner

Board of Elementary and Secondary Education MembersMs. Maura Banta, Chair, Melrose

Ms. Harneen Chernow, Jamaica Plain, Vice Chair, Mr.Daniel Brogan, Chair, Student Advisory Council, Dennis

Dr. Vanessa Calderón-Rosado, MiltonMs. Karen Daniels, Milton

Ms. Ruth Kaplan, BrooklineDr. Matthew Malone, Secretary of Education, Roslindale

Mr. James O’S. Morton, SpringfieldDr. Pendred Noyce, Weston

Mr. David Roach, Sutton

Mitchell D. Chester, Ed.D., Commissioner and Secretary to the Board

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Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education75 Pleasant Street, Malden, MA 02148-4906

Phone 781-338-3000 TTY: N.E.T. Relay 800-439-2370www.doe.mass.edu

Massachusetts Department ofElementary and Secondary Education75 Pleasant Street, Malden, Massachusetts 02148-4906 Telephone: (781) 338-3000 TTY: N.E.T. Relay 1-800-439-2370

March 2014

Dear Members of the General Court:

I am pleased to provide a progress report on the ongoing work of the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (Department), in partnership with Mass Insight Education, to provide a high-quality Advanced Placement (AP) mathematics and science statewide program to increase the numbers of low-income and minority students participating and succeeding in AP mathematics and science. This work was funded in part by the FY13 line item 7035-0035, augmented by $1,000,000 in private funding.

The statewide program, implemented by Mass Insight Education through their Mass Math + Science Initiative (MMSI)1, is an AP driven, performance based public-private partnership operating at scale. MMSI is expanding access to rigorous AP coursework and closing achievement gaps in more than 50 high schools statewide. This comprehensive program combines rigor with multiple supports including teacher training, content coaching and additional learning time for students. The report provides the resuls of this partnership as of December 2013.

In School Year (SY) 12-13, thirteen new schools participated in the program for the first time. The total number of AP mathematics and science exams taken by AP mathematics and science statewide program students in SY12-13 was 7,312. In SY12-13, AP mathematics and science statewide program students received a total of 3,310 qualifying scores (three or higher) on AP mathematics and science exams. This is an increase of 16 percent over last year’s total of 2,858. These funds also provided teacher training and professional development for 212 teachers from around the state who attended a comprehensive five-day training program for AP teachers in the following mathematics and science courses: Biology, Calculus, Chemistry, Computer Science, Environmental Science, Physics and Statistics. In FY14, the Department will partner with the University of Massachusetts-Donahue Institute to evaluate the program.

Please let me know if I may provide you with any further information. I appreciate your support for mathematics and science professional development.

Sincerely,

Mitchell D. Chester, Ed.D.Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education

1 http://www.massinsight.org/mmsi/about/3

Mitchell D. Chester, Ed.D.Commissioner

The Advancing Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)

through a Mathematics and Science Advanced Placement (AP) Program

Submitted By:Jeff MahoneyDecember 2013

Report on the Implementation of a Statewide Science and Mathematics Program

The Advancing Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) through a Mathematics and Science Advanced Placement (AP)

Program

Task 1: Increase participation in Advanced Placement (AP) mathematics and science courses, particularly among underserved populations, in 61 partner schools:

i. Identify, establish and maintain partnerships with districts and schools with high percentages of minority and low-income students.

ii. Identify and encourage recruitment of minority and low-income students into AP mathematics and science courses.

iii. Educate district leaders, teachers, guidance counselors, and parents of minority and low-income students about equity-in-education issues, as well as the benefits of the AP program and pursuing a Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) degree and career.

iv. Assist districts in eliminating barriers that restrict access to AP mathematics and science courses for students from ethnic, racial, and socioeconomic groups that have traditionally been underserved.

Current outcomes: In School Year (SY) 12-13, the Massachusetts Mathematics and Science Initiative (MMSI) entered its fifth year of program implementation. Thirteen new schools participated in the program for the first time. The map below displays all MMSI schools and the year they entered the program (referred to as a Cohort):

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In SY12-13, the MMSI program operated in 17 high schools in 12 of the Commonwealth’s Gateway Cities of Attleboro, Barnstable, Chelsea, Chicopee, Fall River, Fitchburg, Malden, Methuen, Peabody, Salem, Springfield and Worcester. Gateway Cities have large minority and underserved populations and under M.G.L. c. 23A section 3A are defined as a municipality with:

Population greater than 35,000 and less than 250,000 Median household income below the state average Rate of educational attainment of a bachelor’s degree or above that is below the state

average

In addition, through our outreach and recruitment, MMSI currently has 18 schools on a waitlist to enter the program. Pending funding, other Gateway City high schools from New Bedford, Holyoke and a second high school from Chicopee will join the program.

Overall, based on information reported through the Student Information Management System (SIMS)2, in SY12-13 5,762 students participated in AP mathematics and science courses through the MMSI program.

2 The data on students, both the number 5,762 and the breakdowns by category, comes from two sources. First, we request SIMS data from each school. Then, we use that data to build rosters for each class, which is cross-checked when we ask our teachers to confirm students’ enrollment, and if students are missing, to add them. Once aggregated, this becomes our final student roster file.

The demographic information of these students disaggregated by race, ethnicity, gender, disability and socioeconomic status is as follows (we are not able to provide any information on English achievement at this time):

Table 1.1: Students by EthnicityNumber of Students

Hispanic or Latino 504Not Hispanic or Latino 4720Blank 538Totals 5762Source: Student Information Management System SY12-13

Table 1.2: Students by RaceNumber of Students

White 3883Black or African-American 461Asian 563American Indian or Alaska Native 26Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander 180Multi-racial Hispanic 12Multi-racial Non-Hispanic 99Blank 538Totals 5762Source: Student Information Management System SY12-13

Table 1.3: Students by GenderNumber of Students

Male 504Female 4720Blank 319Totals 5762Source: Student Information Management System SY12-13

Table 1.4: Students by Socioeconomic Status Number of Students

Full Price Lunch 3409Free Lunch 1452Reduced Price Lunch 238Blank 663Totals 5762Source: Student Information Management System SY12-13

Table 1.5: Students by Special Education Status Number of Students

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Not a SPED Student 4363Previously a SPED Student 1452Full Inclusion 27Partial Inclusion 1Blank 1357Totals 5762Source: Student Information Management System SY12-13

MMSI ensures that all students, including minority and low-income students, will have access to AP mathematics and science courses by requiring that all participating schools have open access to these courses. Schools sign a Letter of Agreement with MMSI that precludes any artificial barriers to taking an AP course.

MMSI personnel attended and spoke at an “AP Kickoff” event that MMSI requires at each of the 61 schools in September and October of 2012. These events serve as an academic “pep rally” for AP students and outline the goals set for them in the upcoming academic year. These events also serve as an opportunity to increase student enrollment and the visibility of MMSI and STEM education. Besides students and faculty, these events were attended by school administrators, local elected officials, state legislators, parents and local business leaders.

MMSI personnel have also attended AP Parents’ Nights, School Committee Meetings and regularly make classroom visits in order to increase enrollment, especially among minority and underserved students, and to promote the benefits of STEM education and careers.

In addition, MMSI has expanded its Student Partner Program to engage corporate and community partners and to provide STEM career awareness to MMSI students. Companies such as Thermo-Fisher and State Street Corporation have partnered with MMSI to have employees participate in a year-long engagement with students in MMSI schools. These engagements consist of classroom visits, students visiting the workplace and other engagements outside of the school to promote the value of STEM career pathways.

Task 2: Increase performance in AP mathematics and science courses, particularly among underserved populations, in 61 partner schools:

i. Conduct extracurricular study sessions for students of AP mathematics and science courses.

ii. Conduct extra test preparation sessions for student taking AP mathematics and science exams.

iii. Provide AP mathematics and science exam fee subsidies for low-income eligible students.

Current outcomes: In SY12-13, MMSI students more than doubled their performance with scores of three or higher on AP mathematics and science exams with a five-year increase of 107 percent. MMSI students received a total of 3,310 qualifying scores (three or higher) on AP mathematics and science exams. This is an increase of 16 percent over last year’s total of 2,858. The demographic information of these students disaggregated by race, ethnicity, gender, disability and socioeconomic status is as follows: Table 2.1: Qualifying Scores by Content & Ethnicity

Math Science Math & ScienceHispanic 81 107 188White 1078 1338 2416Black 70 80 150Asian or Pacific Islander 213 232 445American Indian or Alaska Native 3 8 11Other 41 48 89Blanks 4 7 11Totals 1490 1820 3310Source: College Board SY12-13

Table 2.2: Qualifying Scores by Content & Gender Math Science Math & Science

Male 846 934 1780Female 644 886 1530Totals 1490 1820 3310Source: College Board SY12-13

Table 2.3: Qualifying Scores by Content & Socioeconomic Math Science Math & Science

Low-Income 347 382 729Non-Low-Income 1143 1438 2581Totals 1490 1820 3310Source: College Board SY12-13

The total number of AP mathematics and science exams taken by MMSI students in SY12-13 was 7,312 and the total in SY11-12 was 6,172. This is an increase of 1,140 exams (18 percent). The tables below break down these exams by content and course:

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Table 2.4: Exams Taken by ContentMath Science Math & Science

Exams Taken 3326 3986 7312Source: College Board SY12-13

Table 2.5: Exam Distribution by Subject

Exam Distribution SubjectQualifying

ScoresGrand Total3

Biology 751 1516Calculus AB 701 1382Calculus BC 160 243Chemistry 338 700Computer Science A 67 182Environmental Science 328 940Physics B 341 693Physics C: Electricity & Magnetism 6 14Physics C: Mechanics 56 123Statistics 562 1519

Totals 3310 7312

Source: College Board SY12-13

MMSI has also provided students with 18 hours more time on task and AP test preparation for their specific AP mathematics or science class. MMSI held a series of six-hour regional Student Study Sessions on six Saturdays during the school year. These six sessions were held in each of our 18 regional clusters of schools for a total of 54 sessions for both mathematics and science. The tables below reflect the total number of student attendance at these Student Study Sessions and the specific breakdown of these sessions.4

3 Exams taken4 These numbers reflect combined attendance at Saturday Study Sessions and are higher than our number of individual students. For instance, if a student is taking more than one AP mathematics or science course and attends the study session for each course, they would be counted twice.

Table 3.1: Student Study Session Attendance Math Science

Number of Sessions 54 6021Attendance 54 8090Totals 108 14111Source: MMSI Attendance SY12-13

All students in the MMSI program receive an AP exam fee subsidy to ensure they are able to take the exam at the end of the course. The subsidy is either $19.75 or $3.75, depending on whether or not the student is low-income. MMSI provided a subsidy to 7,084 AP mathematics and science exams in SY12-13, spending a total of $16,000 in low-income subsidies.

Table 3.2: Student Study Session Dates and Locations

MMSI Event Participants Date Location

Student Study Session #1 - Science All schools in cluster 10/13/12 Drury HSStudent Study Session #1 - Science All schools in cluster 10/13/12 Palmer HSStudent Study Session #1 - Science All schools in cluster 10/20/12 Malden HS

Student Study Session #1 - Science All schools in cluster (Chemistry only) 10/20/12 Frontier RHS

Student Study Session #1 - Science All schools in cluster (Physics B only) 10/20/12 Greenfield HS

Student Study Session #1 - Science Dracut and Methuen only 10/20/12 Methuen HSStudent Study Session #1 - Science All schools in cluster 10/20/12 Peabody VMHSStudent Study Session #1 - Science All schools in cluster 10/20/12 Springfield Central HS

Student Study Session #1 - Science BPS & BOSCHAR clusters together 10/27/12 UMass Boston

Student Study Session #1 - Science BPS & BOSCHAR clusters together 10/27/12 UMass Boston

Student Study Session #1 - Science All schools in cluster 10/27/12 Mashpee HS

Student Study Session #1 - Science All schools in cluster (Bio and APES subjects only) 10/27/12 Greenfield HS

Student Study Session #1 - Science All schools in cluster (Physics C only) 10/27/12 JFK Middle School

Student Study Session #1 - Science All schools in cluster 10/27/12 South Hadley SHSStudent Study Session #1 - Science All schools in cluster 10/27/12 North HSStudent Study Session #1 - Science All schools in cluster 11/10/12 Dedham HSStudent Study Session #1 - Math All schools in cluster 11/10/12 B.M.C. Durfee HSStudent Study Session #1 - Science All schools in cluster 11/17/12 Attleboro HSStudent Study Session #1 - Math All schools in cluster 11/17/12 Greenfield HSStudent Study Session #1 - Math All schools in cluster 11/17/12 West Springfield HSStudent Study Session #1 - Science All schools in cluster 11/17/12 Marlborough HSStudent Study Session #1 - Math All schools in cluster 11/17/12 Peabody VMHSStudent Study Session #1 - Math All schools in cluster 11/17/12 Gardner HSStudent Study Session #1 - Science All schools in cluster 11/17/12Student Study Session #1 - Science All schools in cluster 11/17/12 B.M.C. Durfee HS

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Student Study Session #1 - Math All schools in cluster 11/17/12 Worcester Technical HSStudent Study Session #1 - Math All schools in cluster 12/1/12 Uxbridge HSStudent Study Session #1 - Math All schools in cluster 12/1/12 Uxbridge HSStudent Study Session #1 - Math All schools in cluster 12/8/12 Drury HS

Student Study Session #1 - Math BPS & BOSCHAR clusters together 12/8/12 John D. O'Bryant

Student Study Session #1 - Math BPS & BOSCHAR clusters together 12/8/12 John D. O'Bryant

Student Study Session #1 - Science All schools in cluster 12/8/12 Douglas HSStudent Study Session #1 - Math All schools in cluster 12/8/12 Mashpee HSStudent Study Session #1 - Math All schools in cluster 12/8/12 Malden HSStudent Study Session #1 - Math All schools in cluster 12/15/12 Randolph HSStudent Study Session #2 - Science All schools in cluster 12/15/12 Chicopee HSStudent Study Session #1 - Math All schools in cluster 12/15/12 Marlborough HSStudent Study Session #1 - Math Dracut and Methuen only 12/15/12 Dracut Senior HSStudent Study Session #1 - Science All schools in cluster 12/15/12 Gardner HSStudent Study Session #1 - Math All schools in cluster 12/15/12 Ware Junior Senior HSStudent Study Session #1 - Math All schools in cluster 12/15/12 Springfield Central HSStudent Study Session #2 - Science All schools in cluster 1/5/13 Barnstable HS

Student Study Session #2 - ScienceAll schools in cluster

(APES + PhyB subjects only)

1/5/13 Frontier RHS

Student Study Session #2 - Science All schools in cluster 1/5/13 Narragansett RHSStudent Study Session #2 - Science All schools in cluster 1/12/13 Norton HS

Student Study Session #2 - ScienceAll schools in cluster (Chem, Bio, PhyC

subjects only)1/12/13 Northampton HS

Student Study Session #2 - ScienceAll schools in cluster (Chem, Bio, PhyB

subjects only)1/12/13 Leicester HS

Student Study Session #2 - Science Dracut and Methuen only 1/19/13 Dracut Senior HSStudent Study Session #2 - Science All schools in cluster 1/26/13 Chelsea HSStudent Study Session #2 - Science All schools in cluster 1/26/13 Northbridge HSStudent Study Session #2 - Science All schools in cluster 1/26/13 Salem HS

Student Study Session #2 - Science BPS & BOSCHAR clusters together 2/2/13 UMass Boston

Student Study Session #2 - Science BPS & BOSCHAR clusters together 2/2/13 UMass Boston

Student Study Session #2 - Math All schools in cluster 2/2/13 Bellingham HSStudent Study Session #2 - Math All schools in cluster 2/2/13 Northampton HSStudent Study Session #2 - Math All schools in cluster 2/2/13 Chicopee HSStudent Study Session #2 - Math Dracut and Methuen only 2/2/13 Dracut Senior HSStudent Study Session #2 - Math All schools in cluster 2/2/13 Narragansett RHSStudent Study Session #2 - Math All schools in cluster 2/2/13 Leicester HSStudent Study Session #2 - Math All schools in cluster 2/2/13 Ludlow Senior HSStudent Study Session #2 - Math All schools in cluster 2/2/13 Springfield Central HSStudent Study Session #2 - Math All schools in cluster 2/9/13 Salem HSStudent Study Session #2 - Science All schools in cluster 3/2/13 Ludlow Senior HSStudent Study Session #2 - Math 495S & GBS together 3/2/13 Attleboro HS

Student Study Session #2 - Science All schools in cluster 3/2/13 Lee HSStudent Study Session #2 - Math 495S & GBS together 3/2/13 Attleboro HSStudent Study Session #2 - Science All schools in cluster 3/2/13Student Study Session #3 - Science Dracut and Methuen only 3/2/13 Dracut Senior HSStudent Study Session #3 - Science All schools in cluster 3/2/13 Danvers HSStudent Study Session #2 - Science All schools in cluster 3/2/13 Whitman-Hanson RHSStudent Study Session #2 - Science All schools in cluster 3/2/13 South HCSStudent Study Session #2 - Math All schools in cluster 3/9/13 Nipmuc HSStudent Study Session #2 - Math All schools in cluster 3/9/13 Middleborough HSStudent Study Session #3 - Science All schools in cluster 3/9/13 Barnstable HSStudent Study Session #2 - Math Mashpee only 3/11/13 Mashpee HSStudent Study Session #2 - Math Barnstable only - part 1 3/14/13 Barnstable HSStudent Study Session #2 - Math All schools in cluster 3/16/13 Malden HS

Student Study Session #3 - Science 495S & GBS APES together 3/16/13 Attleboro HS

Student Study Session #2 - Math All schools in cluster 3/16/13 Drury HS

Student Study Session #2 - Math BPS & BOSCHAR clusters together 3/16/13 East Boston HS

Student Study Session #2 - Math BPS & BOSCHAR clusters together 3/16/13 East Boston HS

Student Study Session #3 - Math All schools in cluster 3/16/13 Douglas HSStudent Study Session #2 - Science All subjects except APES 3/16/13 Dedham HSStudent Study Session #3 - Science All schools in cluster 3/16/13 Agawam HSStudent Study Session #3 - Science All schools in cluster 3/16/13 Quaboag RMHSStudent Study Session #2 - Math Barnstable only - part 2 3/21/13 Barnstable HS

Student Study Session #2 - Science All schools in cluster (APES only) 3/23/13 Auburn HS

Student Study Session #2 - Science All schools in cluster 3/23/13 Springfield Central HS

Student Study Session #3 - Science BPS & BOSCHAR clusters together 3/23/13 UMass Boston

Student Study Session #3 - Science BPS & BOSCHAR clusters together 3/23/13 UMass Boston

Student Study Session #3 - Math All schools in cluster 3/23/13 Greenfield HSStudent Study Session #3 - Math All schools in cluster 3/23/13 Danvers HSStudent Study Session #3 - Math All schools in cluster 4/6/13 Norton HSStudent Study Session #3 - Science All schools in cluster 4/6/13 Drury HSStudent Study Session #3 - Math All schools in cluster 4/6/13 Mashpee HSStudent Study Session #3 - Science All schools in cluster 4/6/13 Malden HSStudent Study Session #3 - Math All schools in cluster 4/6/13 Dedham HSStudent Study Session #3 - Science All schools in cluster 4/6/13 Northampton HSStudent Study Session #3 - Math Dracut and Methuen only 4/6/13 Methuen HSStudent Study Session #3 - Science All schools in cluster 4/6/13 Fitchburg HSStudent Study Session #3 - Math All schools in cluster 4/6/13 Palmer HSStudent Study Session #3 - Math All schools in cluster 4/6/13 East Bridgewater HSStudent Study Session #3 - Math All schools in cluster 4/6/13 Springfield Central HSStudent Study Session #3 - Science All schools in cluster 4/6/13 Worcester Technical HSStudent Study Session #2 - Math All schools in cluster 4/13/13 South HCSStudent Study Session #3 - Math All schools in cluster 4/27/13 Lee HS

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Student Study Session #3 - Math BPS & BOSCHAR clusters together 4/27/13

John D. O'Bryant School of Mathematics and

Science

Student Study Session #3 - Math BPS & BOSCHAR clusters together 4/27/13

John D. O'Bryant School of Mathematics and

ScienceStudent Study Session #3 - Science All schools in cluster 4/27/13 Uxbridge HSStudent Study Session #3 - Math All schools in cluster 4/27/13 Chelsea HSStudent Study Session #3 - Science All schools in cluster 4/27/13 Randolph HSStudent Study Session #3 - Science All schools in cluster 4/27/13 Nipmuc HSStudent Study Session #3 - Math All schools in cluster 4/27/13 Athol HSStudent Study Session #3 - Science All schools in cluster 4/27/13 Auburn HSStudent Study Session #3 - Science All schools in cluster 4/27/13 Middleborough HSStudent Study Session #3 - Science All schools in cluster 4/27/13 Springfield Central HSStudent Study Session #3 - Math All schools in cluster 4/27/13 North HSStudent Study Session #3 - Math All schools in cluster 5/4/13 Agawam HSStudent Study Session #3 - Math All schools in cluster 5/4/13 Marlborough HSStudent Study Session #3 - Math All schools in cluster 5/4/13 Auburn HS

Source: MMSI Attendance SY12-13

Task 3: Increase the number of new and/or additional AP mathematics and science courses offered by the partner districts and schools:

i. Support teacher professional development to current and newly recruited AP mathematics and science teachers.

ii. Conduct or fund teachers to attend the College Board endorsed AP summer institute for AP mathematics and science teachers.

iii. Provide curriculum alignment support to ensure alignment between the AP program and existing district curriculum, particularly the district’s STEM curriculum.

iv. Provide guidance and funds for equipment and supplies for new and expanded AP mathematics and science courses.

v. Establish criteria and monitor teacher effectiveness and fidelity for implementation of the AP mathematics and science course/program.

Current outcomes: In SY12-13, a total of 31 MMSI schools added 43 new AP mathematics and science courses, with 737 students participating in these additional classes. The breakdown of the classes is below:

Table 4.1: New Courses & Students in New CoursesNew Courses Students in New Courses

AP Calculus BC 2 14AP Computer Science 5 86AP Statistics 13 227AP Biology 3 47AP Chemistry 2 35AP Environmental Science 9 152AP Physics B 8 160AP Physics C (Mechanics) 1 16Totals 43 737Source: MMSI Schools’ Data SY12-13

With regard to teacher training and professional development, MMSI held its Advanced Placement Summer Institute (APSI) July 29th-August 2nd, 2013 at Bridgewater State University. This institute is a comprehensive five-day training program for AP teachers in the following mathematics and science courses: Biology, Calculus, Chemistry, Computer Science, Environmental Science, Physics and Statistics. MMSI had 212 teachers from around the state attend APSI. Table 5.1 below shows how many teachers from each subject attended the training. Please note that we do not have demographic information for MMSI AP teachers.

Table 5.1: Advanced Placement Summer Institute Teacher AttendanceAttendance

Math 97Science 115Total 212Source: MMSI Attendance SY12-13

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In addition, MMSI held two-day training sessions in the fall for AP mathematics and science teachers. These sessions are taught by content experts from around the country and are open to new and current MMSI AP. The course and number of teachers attending is listed below:

Table 5.2: 2-Day Training AttendanceNumber of Teachers

AP Calculus AB 57AP Calculus BC 6AP Computer Science 11AP Statistics 55 Math subtotal 129AP Biology 56AP Chemistry 36AP Environmental Science 42AP Physics B 27AP Physics C 3 Science Subtotal 164Total 293Source: Student Information Management System SY12-13

MMSI appoints a Lead Teacher in each of its school districts. The Lead Teachers, in consultation with MMSI Content Directors, are required to hold four Vertical Team meetings with teachers from across middle and high school grades throughout the school year to help ensure curricular alignment. Each cluster of schools held their Vertical Team meetings sometime between August 28, 2012 and June 11, 2013. A total of 120 mathematics meetings and 117 science meetings were held.

MMSI Content Directors, who are experienced former AP teachers, are a resource available to all MMSI teachers to help ensure teacher effectiveness. They also make school and classroom visits to MMSI schools throughout the year to monitor these teachers.

MMSI has purchased over $136,000 worth of equipment and supplies this past school year to support mathematics and science classes in school districts. Examples of these items for mathematics include new text books, such as Practice of Statistics, document cameras, and TI-84 calculators. For science, MMSI ordered science kits and lab materials, such as test tubes, temperature probes, and pH Sensors.

Task 4: Work in conjunction with the statewide Race to the Top (RTTT) pre-AP teacher training program (4D) to align efforts of both programs in those districts participating in both programs:

i. Assist vertical teams of grade 6-10 pre-AP and AP trained mathematics and science teachers to assess the district STEM curriculum, integrate Laying the Foundation materials, and suggest possible STEM pathways.

Current Outcomes

MMSI has continued to work in conjunction with the MMSI Advancing College Readiness (ACR) RTTT pre-AP program in districts that are participating in both programs. During Math Vertical Team meetings in Chicopee and Science Vertical Team meetings in Malden, AP Calculus, and AP Biology open-response questions were deconstructed in such a way that made them accessible to all grade 6-12 students. As a result of these activities, all teachers on the Vertical Team, including middle school teachers, have the ability to introduce the concept of AP to their students. In addition to discussing AP, these questions foster discussions with students about studying STEM subjects in college and STEM careers.

Several MMSI districts have requested additional training in the use of graphing calculators (TI-Nspire™), PASCO SPARK Units, and associated probes. This training is focused on the use of technology for specific Pre-AP activities. The expectation is that teachers will implement the activities that they perform during the Vertical Team Meetings in their classrooms before the next Vertical Team Meeting, thus reinforcing their ability to use technology. The use of this technology introduces, in a very concrete manner, the use of instrumentation in STEM fields. Additional training in technology has been provided in Whitman-Hanson, Chicopee and Worcester.

In Worcester, a cohort of mathematics teachers was added to attend some of the Science Vertical Team Meetings, as well as attend Pre-AP training. A team of middle school mathematics and science teachers received additional technology training focusing on the use of the TI-Nspire™ graphing calculators and motion detectors. In Pittsfield, a cohort of science teachers has joined Pre-AP training. In both instances the connection between mathematics and science curricula, both Pre-AP and AP, is being emphasized.

MMSI ACR has begun embedding Pre-AP activities into district curricula. This work has begun in Boston, Chicopee and Worcester and will continue to expand to other districts.

Conclusion

The number of MMSI students taking mathematics and science classes in SY12-13 increased to 5,762, up from 4,780 in SY11-12. The total amount of enrollments (to account for students taking multiple AP mathematics and science classes) was 7,303 in SY12-13, up from 6,338 in SY11-12. MMSI is also excited to report that the rate of AP examination participation among AP students has risen to 53 percent in MMSI schools since 2008, while non-MMSI comparison schools remain at a 19 percent rate for examination taking among AP students.

MMSI also continues to make progress in closing the achievement gap. There was a substantial jump in qualifying scores for minorities in MMSI schools: +26 percent (from 490 to 619).

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Although the MMSI program is only in approximately 20 percent of Massachusetts high schools, 4 out the top 10 schools in Massachusetts for minority qualifying scores in mathematics and science were MMSI schools. Among the top 12 schools for minority scores in science, 8 were MMSI schools. In mathematics, 3 of the top 8 schools were MMSI schools. In AP Biology, the top 2 schools with minority qualifying scores were Worcester Burncoat and Chelsea High School, which are both MMSI schools. The third place school was Boston Latin.

MMSI continues to see a demand in high schools for the program, with up to 20 additional high schools wishing to enter the program in the next school year. MMSI would welcome the opportunity to provide any further data and information as requested.