What is the A+ Schools Program?

 

The A+ Schools Program is a comprehensive program of curricular, instructional, and technological developments and improvements designed to better meet the needs of all students, regardless of whether they plan to attend a traditional four-year college, community college, a vocational or technical school, or plan to seek employment immediately out of high school.

 

Please for a recent update on A+ changes that will affect students starting the fall of 2017.

 

Goals of the A+ Schools Program 

   As outlined by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, the three primary goals of the A+ Schools Program are:

• All students will graduate from high school.

• All students will complete a selection of high school studies that is challenging and for which there are identified and measurable learner expectations.

• All students will proceed from high school graduation to a traditional college or postsecondary vocational or technical school, or high wage job with workplace skill development opportunities.

•  

A+ Handbook            

   The A+ Handbook outlining the program with all requirements may be accessed by selecting the A+ Handbook tab at the top of this page.                           

  

Initial Post-Secondary Eligibility 

    In order for the college to receive the financial incentives, a student must be enrolled full-time, 12 credit hours or 24 clock hours or more per week, for the semester or the equivalent.  A student may enroll in an eligible postsecondary institution in any fall, spring, or summer semester or other term identified by the institution immediately following the official spring graduation date of the student’s respective senior class.  Students must also maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale to continue to receive benefits. 

 

Students with Disabilities 

   The policy of the local institution will be used to determine eligibility.  A+ students may enroll in off-campus outreach centers operated by the eligible institution.  Application for the financial incentive on the FV-4 form will be submitted by the main campus of this eligible institution. 

 

Developmental Courses           

   Students enrolled in developmental courses are eligible for A+ financial incentive. 

 

Benefits for Students 

    All students will benefit from the infusion of technology into the curriculum, the development of more effective instructional techniques, clearly stated and measurable learner expectations and graduation performance standards, more extensive career exploration and guidance activities, and the development of courses with a more real-world focus. 

 

Financial Incentives 

    Graduates can qualify for two years of free tuition, general fees, and up to 50% for books (provided the state legislature provides funding) at any public Missouri community college, vocational, or technical school. 

    Students will receive this incentive for two years (six semesters).  A student must be considered a full-time student by the institution.  Students must complete the two years of full-time enrollment at a community college or a public vocational/technical school within four years after graduation from AGHS.  

 

Student Eligibility 

    To be eligible for the financial incentives for the A+ Schools Program, a student must be certified as an A+ Student by AGHS.  The A+ Coordinator, as the official representative of the A+ Schools Program to the state educational department, has the responsibility to certify whether a graduate of AGHS has met the criteria of the program. 

 

To be certified as an A+ Student:

 ~Sign an A+ Student Agreement, attend AGHS or transfer from an A+ high school for 3 years prior to graduation.

~Graduate with at least a 2.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale.

~Maintain a 95% attendance record.

~Perform 50 hours of unpaid tutoring or mentoring for other students.

~Maintain a record of good citizenship and avoidance of the unlawful use of drugs and/or alcohol.

~Make good faith effort to first secure all available federal post-secondary student financial assistance funds that do not require repayment by submitting a FAFSA from after January 1st of the student's senior year.

~Achieve a score of proficient or advanced on the Algebra I (or higher level math) End of Course Exam. Students may alternatively score a 17 on the ACT Math sub-score.

~In order to access A+ funds, all A+ eligible students must file the FAFSA, and all male students must register with Selective Service upon turning 18 yrs. of age.  

 

Communication 

    Education is a partnership between home and school. We value parent involvement at every level and encourage you to partner with us.  In order for this partnership to be effective, we need to be able to communicate. 

   Please feel free to call, write a note, or e-mail us if you have concerns or questions about the A+ program.

             

Brian Bagley, Coordinator

(417) 751-2330

E-mail: bbagley@apps.ashgrove.k12.mo.us

 

For more information about the A+ Schools Program, you may visit the Missouri Department of Secondary and Elementary Education website: