Struthers, Canfield get AP grants

Staff report

Columbus

Struthers and Canfield schools were awarded grants to participate in the Advanced Placement Network.

The Ohio Department of Education announced that more than $400,000 in Race to the Top funds will be used to create the network.

The network is committed to building, enhancing and expanding AP classes to prepare 21st-Century leaders.

“These grants will allow schools to offer increased access to AP classes to more students,” said Stan Heffner, superintendent of public instruction. “It also will allow AP teachers to receive the professional development they need to build a framework for success for the AP program.”

Yolande’ Berger, AP Network Coordinator said schools were chosen through a competitive application process that required applicants to show their vision of building an AP culture.

“We know AP schools that thrive are those that have a culture of high expectations and a demand in rigor that includes AP and beyond,” Berger said

Each school will receive $10,000 in the first two years of its three-year commitment.

Each network school will receive two four-hour professional development sessions and will attend a free half-day workshop focusing on curriculum.

They also have the option to receive funding support for expansion of virtual learning options to reach underserved groups of students, as well as priority registration for a summer AP training for teachers. This grant is intended to increase numbers in underrepresented areas, such as rural and urban.