Last modified: Tuesday, April 14, 2009 2:19 AM EDT Grant shows it pays to study in Attleboro BY RICK FOSTER SUN CHRONICLE STAFF ATTLEBORO - A $750,000 grant funded by the private sector will allow the high school to greatly expand the number of students taking advanced placement courses in English, mathematics and science. Superintendent Pia Durkin and Principal Jeffrey Newman Monday unveiled the grant, which would be used for teacher training, stipends and cash incentive awards to both students and teachers over a five-year period. The school obtained the grant through the Massachusetts Mathematics and Science Initiative, with major financial support from Exxon Mobil, the Gates Foundation and the Dell Foundation. The Attleboro school was one of 14 Bay State schools selected to participate in the program and receive a share of $13.2 million in funding, Durkin said. "This is a great day for Attleboro," said Durkin, who added studies have shown students who successfully complete advanced placement courses are better prepared for college and are more likely than other students to obtain a diploma within six years of leaving high school. "It's truly a validation of what this community deserves." As part of the effort to expand participation in advanced placement, about 75 percent of the grant would go toward payment of teacher training and development and stipends. Another 25 percent would fund other expenses, including incentives of $100 each to students who attain a score of at least three out of five on each advance placement test and $100 payments to teachers for each student in their AP classes who meets that requirement. Durkin said the incentives do not constitute merit pay, an issue that is highly controversial among some educator groups. The school department has reached a memorandum of understanding with the Attleboro Education Association that would permit such payments, she said. Teacher training would begin this spring and the first classes would roll out in the fall. Advanced placement courses provide enriched study in a given subject to students who may be eligible for college credit based on their scores. Currently, only 9 percent of Attleboro High School students take AP courses even though test results compiled by the College Board indicate that's a fraction of the number who could benefit from such classes. Male students, who make up only 30 percent of AP classes, and blacks and hispanic, who constitute 2 to 3 percent, are particularly underrepresented. Statistics compiled in other education systems make a strong case for exposing students to advanced courses, Newman said. In Texas, studies showed that high school graduates were more than twice as likely to complete a college education successful within six years if they had participated in advanced placement classes. And in school districts which provided incentives, participation and success in advanced placement skyrocketed. The number of students who won scores qualifying them for college credit multiplied more than fourfold in 11 years. Some figures seem to indicate that advancement could be a game-changer, especially for minority students who are planning to pursue college. Without the benefit of advanced placement, only 15 percent of hispanics and 17 percent of blacks are likely to complete college in a six-year time span according to a Texas study - about half the rate for whites. But minorities who successfully complete AP courses graduate at a rate similar to their white classmates. Newman said students are more likely to select advanced placement courses because of the potential benefits rather than for the promise of money. But for some students, the possibility of a reward could resolve questions as to whether taking such courses is "cool." Teachers of advanced placement courses would be called on to put in a lot of extra time both in the classroom and tutoring their students, Durkin said. Durkin said the program fits into the school district's desire to improve education through all grade levels, and Newman said teachers who receive specialized training would be able to use that training in other classes. Durkin said one of the objectives of broadening participation would be to dispell the idea that advanced placement courses are only for "elite" students. She said motivated students at many levels can also benefit. "We know that these kids can be successful if they apply themselves," she said. "There's nothing I'd like more than being here next year and telling you that we need to add more AP course sections because more students want them." Attleboro High was chosen from among 52 state applicants. The city's high school will be paired with high schools in New Bedford and Fall River to share information about practices. Mass Insight, a statewide educational organization, obtained the $13.2 million in private funds in partnership with the state.