Three Dallas magnet schools have received worldwide recognition for being the best at what they do – educating students.
RICHARD MICHAEL PRUITT/DMN
Teacher Marsha Evans helps Gracie Saunders, a freshman at Yvonne A. Ewell Townview Center, with her artwork. The College Board on Tuesday released the names of schools considered "Worldwide Leaders," those with the highest passing rates on Advanced Placement tests covering various subjects.
In the Dallas Independent School District, the School for the Talented and Gifted at Yvonne A. Ewell Townview Center was recognized for having the best scores in art history, computer science and human geography for schools with fewer than 500 students. No other school in Texas was honored in three categories.
Michael Satarino, who has been principal at the Talented and Gifted school for eight years, said his teaching staff has a lot to do with the school\'s success.
"It\'s the passion they have, the passion for teaching," Mr. Satarino said. "They each have their own unique teaching styles; they\'ve found out what works for them."
The School of Science and Engineering at Townview Center was recognized for having the top passing rates in BC calculus for schools with fewer than 500 students. Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts received the top honor for music theory among mid-sized schools with 500 to 999 students.
"We are so proud of the students that put forth such extraordinary effort to prepare for their college education," said Suzee Oliphint, DISD\'s executive director of advanced academic services.
Also among the seven Texas schools honored by the College Board was Highland Park High School, which received recognition for World History among schools with more than 1,000 high school students.
"We are so very, very proud of the commitment of the staff and the students to high achievement," said Gena Gardiner, Highland Park\'s assistant superintendent for curriculum, instruction and special programs. "All of our AP teachers have been most committed to the integrity of their courses and staying current in their training."
The other Texas schools honored were Westlake High School, part of the Eanes school district in Austin; Valley View High School in Pharr; and Eagle Pass High School-C.C. Winn Campus in West Texas.
The College Board, a not-for-profit membership association that administers the Advanced Placement program, released its first-ever "Advanced Placement Report to the Nation" on Tuesday. And for the first time, it announced the schools considered leaders in the report. Eighty-six schools received the honor.
The report also shows that all states are increasing in the percentage of students passing Advanced Placement courses.
Students who take the courses can take a test and earn college credit. They earn scores of 1 to 5, with college credit typically granted for scores of 3 or better. Research shows that those who succeed on one or more of the exams are more likely to complete a bachelor\'s degree in four years or less.
Torrence Robinson, director of public affairs at Texas Instruments, said the Advanced Placement program has helped the company identify students for summer internships. TI has partnered with the school for about a decade, working with the school staff and mentoring students.
"It\'s a perfect match," Mr. Robinson said of the relationship.
A growing number of Texas students are taking Advanced Placement exams. In 1995, a total of 28,351 students in public and private schools in Texas took the exams, according to the Texas Education Agency. In 2004, the number grew to 101,115 students.
The number of Texas students who received a 3 or above on the exam also has increased – from 51,988 in 2000 to 84,497 in 2004, according to the College Board.
One male and one female in each state and the District of Columbia are recognized by the College Board for having the highest average grade on all AP exams.
Dallas school officials said that Frederick Wulff, a 2004 graduate of DISD\'s School for the Talented and Gifted, was one of the two Texas students who received the honor. Mr. Wulff, who attends Stanford University, completed 18 Advanced Placement courses, scoring four or above on each one.
The name of the second Texas student wasn\'t available late Tuesday.
http://www.wfaa.com/s/dws/dn/education/stories/012605dnmetcollegeboard.2fbd7.htmlYES!!
That\'s my school. Thanks to this little happening we are now getting alot more attention from other countries which means more money. It\'s about time. I didn\'t bust my ass on that BC class for nothing.
And...I knew that kid in the bottom. Just "knew" him didn\'t really talk to him. He never talked and wore the same clothes everyday...he was in TAG. They are special.
SEM is TAG\'S worst enemy and vice-versa. I hate TAG kids. Stupid, lifeless gadgets.
