A+ Background & History
The A+ Schools program is a school-improvement initiative established by the Outstanding Schools Act of 1993. The program is set up to raise academic standards, open new doors to higher education, and introduce students to the teaching profession though tutoring and mentoring activities.
The program provides incentives for local high schools to:
- Reduce the dropout rate
- Raise academic expectations and eliminate "general track" courses
- Provide better "career pathways" for all students
- Work more closely with business and higher education leaders.
Central High School received its A+ Schools grant in 1994. In the fall of 1997, Central was designated by the Missouri State Board of Education as a Missouri A+ school. We now are in our 13th year of being able to offer tuition reimbursement to our seniors.
Over the past 12 years, Central High School has had 769 seniors fully qualify for the A+ program, which means they have the opportunity to receive financial assistance for tuition and required fees to attend a Missouri public community college or technical school. Tuition may be subsidized for up to two years. A student has four years from the time of his/her graduation to use the funds subject to legislative appropriations. (The use of funds must be in consecutive semesters.)
Now some of the four year colleges are offering their own scholarship for students who qualify in the A+ Schools Program. Presently there are 17 colleges (such as Drury, Webster University, and Truman State University) awarding these types of scholarships.
Since Central is a designated A+ High School, all students benefit from the program including opportunities such as participating in CU / CHS Partnership, shadowing, workplace experience, skills expansion, rigorous course work, career counseling, GPA and attendance monitoring, portfolio documentation of records, and technology to enhance class work. The students seeking qualification have additional advantages which complement their education, such as being involved in Tutoring / Mentoring and receiving the financial incentives. The A+ students are improving academic skills, learning the value of staying in school, developing a more positive understanding of relating education to their future, and receiving, plus providing, motivation to strive for higher levels of achievement.
Student Eligibility Requirements
Students who graduate from a designated A+ School may qualify for state-paid assistance (full tuition and general fees) to attend any public participating community college or technical school in the state. Students must meet the following requirements to be eligible for the tuition reimbursement:
- Attend a designated A+ School for three consecutive years prior to graduation.
- Have a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale over the high school career.
- Have at least a cumulative 95% attendance record over the high school career.
- Perform 50 hours of unpaid tutoring or mentoring.
- Maintain a record of good citizenship and avoidance of the unlawful use of drugs.
- Attend a Missouri community college or postsecondary vocational / technical school on a full time basis and maintain a GPA of 2.5 or higher.
Central High School and City Utilities Enhanced Partnership
Every A+ School is required to initiate a business partnership as part of the major requirements for receiving designation. Central works with City Utilities of Springfield, an enhanced partnership that was formed in 1993 with two goals in mind:
- Easing the school-to-work transition
- Encouraging young people to stay in school.
The partnership programs link the school curriculum to the "real world." Together a freshman program has been created that services all 9th grade students.
This program called The Central Advantage is fully integrated with the curriculums from English I, United States history, and various 9th grade math courses. This program consists of four modules in which students work at City Utilities with CU volunteers three times during a school year. The topics covered are Exercising Your Rights, Treasure Mapping, Group Dynamics and W5 ( Who, What, When Where and Why).
This enhanced partnership has received two national and state awards for the commitment that both institutions have toward Central High School students and their education.
Tutoring and Mentoring Program
Central offers a Tutoring class to assist the A+ student in achieving his / her 50 hours of tutoring. At the beginning of each semester students are trained by the A+ Coordinator before a placement is located either within the building or a feeder elementary or middle school. The students spend the rest of the semester “on assignment” as an academic coach for other students.
A+ Tutoring/Mentoring impacts both the tutor and the student(s) with whom he/ she is tutoring. As a result of the tutoring experience, students have a more positive attitude toward school, learning, and teaching. Improved study skills, higher academic achievement, and enhanced self esteem are some traits that both the tutor and the tutee develop.
Everyone Benefits from A+
Missouri's A+ Schools program is a win-win situation for schools, students and communities. The program encourages students to stay in school, make career plans, tutor students in school, and graduate with the skills and knowledge required for career success or further education. Parents now have assistance with sending their student to college. The community now has an informed, educated citizen.
A+ Information from the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
For more information please contact:
Charlotta Poppen
A+ Coordinator
Central High School
423 E. Central St.
Springfield, Mo. 65802
(417) 523-9606
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