Stanhope Elmore and Tallassee high schools are two of the 20 new schools selected for inclusion in the statewide A+ College Ready Advanced Place ment Training and Incentive Program. The official announcement was made at Greenville High School Tuesday by Gov. Robert Bentley.

The newly-chosen schools will join the 43 others already participating in the program. Bentley’s announcement came just days after statistics were released confirming Ad vanced Placement scores for the state’s students are the highest ever.

The initiative is aimed at increasing the number of students taking Advanced Placement courses in math, science and English. It is funded by a $13.2 million grant from the National Math and Science Initiative (NMSI).

Stanhope Elmore and Tallassee join Wetumpka High as program participants. WHS was tapped for the initiative about a year ago. Schools are selected through a competitive application process. Each participating school receives approximately $50,000 for the program over a three-year period.

“Three cheers for Stan hope Elmore,” said Elmore County Super intendent of Education Dr. Jeff Lang ham. “To be selected for A+ College Ready is a tremendous accomplishment and this will open new and exciting opportunities for our students and teachers. Con grat ulations to Principal Jamey Mc Gowin and his leadership team for their hard work in making this happen.”

The school’s faculty will be required to encourage more students to enroll in AP courses. Funding will be used to underwrite the cost of teacher training, as well as to provide financial incentives for students, teachers and school leaders.

“A+ College Ready is a proven investment that is preparing our students today for the jobs of tomorrow,” Bentley said. “The expansion proves that Alabama is not only committed to building and sustaining a world-class workforce, but that our teachers and students are most definitely up to the task.

“AP courses offer our students the best chance to succeed in college and beyond,” he said. “I am committed to building on the success of programs like A+ College Ready, which work to expand AP course offerings in schools.”

In 2008, when Alabama became one of only six states to win a NMSI AP Training and Incentive Program grant, the number of students enrolled in AP courses increased significantly. In the first year alone, 23 Alabama schools in five districts recorded a 106 percent increase in passing scores on AP math, science and English exams. With a success rate 16 times the national average of 6.6 percent, Alabama led the nation in increasing the number of students earning passing scores.

“Alabama students are succeeding in AP classes at unprecedented rates,” said State Superintendent of Education Dr. Joe Morton. “With the addition of 20 new schools, we will open AP classroom doors to more students than ever before, including some who may not have initially believed they could succeed at this level. Our results show that with the right support, Alabama teachers and students can and will achieve at high levels.”