A Comprehensive Training and Incentives Model for Providing a Rigorous Middle School Mathematics Program

Elements of Success

The Access to Algebra Elements of Success are designed to be implemented simultaneously in a coordinated manner, strategically focusing on student access, engagement, and success. The program promotes and supports a school culture of high expectations for rigorous student learning and targeting open enrollment in 8th grade Algebra and other accelerated math courses. The overall goal is to increase the number of students prepared for advanced STEM coursework in high school including a focus on inclusion of students traditionally underrepresented in advanced courses.

Supporting Student Access to Rigorous Coursework

A culture of inclusiveness and preparation for more students to be successfully engaged in rigorous math courses.

Time on Task

Financial support for extracurricular content review sessions and/or other content specific instructional supports made readily available to students.

Exam Fee Support

Financial coverage for purchasing and administering the PSAT 8/9 for all 7th and 8th graders.

Supplies & Equipment

Financial support for new equipment and supplies to directly enhance classroom math instruction.

Student Incentives

Financial incentives for 8th grade students meeting math benchmark or demonstrating significant growth on the PSAT 8/9.

Content Focused Teacher Training

4 day Laying the Foundation training provided for all math teachers.

Teacher Bonuses

Stipends awarded for program participation and bonuses offered for student success.

Vertical Teaming

Collaboration among math teachers to prepare for student success in rigorous courses.

Content Coordinators

Stipends for Lead Teachers identified to coordinate school efforts and act as liaison for program.

Teacher Mentors

Content experts provided to assist teachers upon request.

How to Apply

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Commitment to Model

Selected schools agree to follow the Access to Algebra Math Elements of Success model and enter into a partnership with AdvanceKentucky.

Submission of Application

Interested schools may apply to the program at any time of the year by completing an online application. The application may be accessed here. Site visits to schools are conducted each fall, with new cohorts chosen yearly in December.

Selection Process

The school selection process includes site visits with schools, a formal invitation to participate, and a Letter of Agreement negotiation meeting.  Preference will be given to schools that are in a position to initiate or dramatically increase access to advanced middle school math programs, particularly for underrepresented student populations. 

Availability of Funding

Overall funding is limited each year in total amount and by donor guidelines that may restrict the use of funds.  We offer this early alert to applicants that while we work year-round on fundraising, we may not be certain of the total amount available to support new schools until the spring.

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Photo by Ben Mullins on Unsplash

Exam Scoring for Practice Advanced Placement® Exams

Mock Exams Scoring is an opportunity for you and your students to have free-response sections of AP® English, AP® Math, AP® Science, and AP® Computer Science A exams scored by trained AP® teachers and College Board Consultants. Our scoring replicates the scoring process used by The College Board. Exams are scored objectively and impartially.

AP® Math, AP® Science, and AP® Computer Science A

General Directions

  1. The exam scoring registration deadline is March 9, 2020 (*).  The cost is $5 per student free-response section.  Register here.
  2. After registration, you will receive an email with detailed instructions for exam administration including a cover sheet and a school code.
  3. The suggested testing window is March 23 - April 10, 2020.
  4. For the 2019-20 school year, administer the Practice Exam from the 2019 Administration available through your course audit account in February.  The multiple-choice section of the exam is scored and kept by the local teacher.
  5. The Free-Response section of the exams must be received by the close of business on April 13, 2020.  Mail exams to
    AdvanceKentucky Mock Exam Reading
    200 West Vine ST STE 420
    Lexington, KY 40507

    with the appropriate attention line...
    • ATTENTION: Lew Acampora, Science
    • ATTENTION: Aaron Timmons, Mathematics and CS
  6. The free-response section of your exams will be returned to your school during the week of April 20-24, 2020.

If you have additional questions, please contact

Please use the indicated examination for your Practice Exam.  If submitted free-response sections do not match the correct examination, the papers will be returned to you unscored.

Content Review Sessions Available for Students

AdvanceKentucky will be hosting Content Review Sessions for students enrolled in AP® English, AP® Math, AP® Science, and AP® Computer Science courses.  For more information, visit the Content Review Session page.