By Eric Stevick
Herald Writer
Two schools in Snohomish County have been awarded grants to increase the number of students taking more rigorous courses.
Lynnwood High School and Harbour Pointe Middle School were among 46 schools and districts across the state to receive the grants, which, among other things, aim to raise the academic bar among low-income and minority students.
The grants help schools and districts with advanced placement and international baccalaureate programs. Advanced placement courses cover college-level curriculum, and students can take national exams and earn college credit if they pass. International baccalaureate diploma programs also offer a demanding pre-university course of study.
The grants are part of a three-year $2.1 million initiative by the U.S. Department of Education. Washington was one of two states to receive the money, and the state Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction awarded $406,000 last week.
Increasing numbers of high school students are taking advanced placement courses and exams across the nation. In 2001, 13,399 students in Washington took national advanced placement exams, an increase of 16.5 percent from the year before. Nationally, there were nearly 821,000, a 9.8 percent increase from 2000.
Lynnwood High School received a $9,800 grant that will be used to train teachers to teach the advanced placement courses. In addition, selected students will be recruited, supported and mentored to help them succeed in the courses and exams.
"The teachers were the driving force behind it," said Kevin Allen, Lynnwood High School vice principal.
Lynnwood, one of the most diverse high schools in the county, now offers history and calculus advanced placement courses. It hopes to expand the offerings to include government, science and English classes in coming years.
"This gives the students a chance to test themselves and maybe stretch themselves a little bit," Allen said. "I think there are a lot of students who want the additional challenge."
Harbour Pointe Middle School in the Mukilteo School District received a $9,000 grant in its pursuit of an international baccalaureate middle years program. It is working with Kamiak High School.
The middle years program provides an academic challenge and life skills for students ages 11 through 16. It is considered a steppingstone for the diploma program offered to high school upperclassmen. Awareness of other international cultures is a central part of the program, which emphasizes connections between different academic subjects.
You can call Herald Writer Eric Stevick at 425-339-3446
or send e-mail to stevick@heraldnet.com.
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