Norton High School should see a 50 percent increase in math, science and English advanced placement enrollment next year, thanks partly to a new three-year grant worth about $400,000.
That's the prediction from Morton Orlov II, president of the Massachusetts Math and Science Initiative, which awarded the grant.
The Advanced Placement Training and Award grant supports teacher training and student support, as well as an equipment and supplies budget, Orlov told the school committee Monday night at Norton Middle School.
Orlov said Norton High has 90 enrollments among its AP math, science and English courses this year. He predicted a 50 percent increase next year, partly due to additional courses being offered.
"We could be closer to 100 percent," Orlov said afterward. Norton High Academic Coordinator Mary Taylor said 16 students are taking AP calculus this year, and 25 are expected to take it next year. AP statistics has 19 students in it, and, she said, "I am sure that number is going to go up."
A number of teachers are signed up for summer AP training, Taylor said.
"I am sure we're going to see a lot of good results," she said of the program. "There's a lot of excitement at the high school."
Orlov's director of advising will meet today with students in small groups in the high school library.
Students taking AP courses can qualify for college credit or advanced placement with a score of 3 or higher on a scale of 1-5 on an exam at the end of the course.
The new grant offers students Saturday study sessions, as well as incentives such as $100 for each score of 3 or higher. Teachers and administrators also can earn incentives.
Norton Superintendent Patricia Ansay said that while some students take four or five AP courses, others "are afraid to put their big toe in the water."
"We think it's probably a good idea to take one before you depart Norton High School," Orlov said.
