Boston.com

Malden and Revere high school students could soon be earning cash for testing well on advanced placement exams. The two public schools were among 11 chosen by the Massachusetts Math and Science Initiative to participate in a program aimed at raising the number of students who take and pass the exams during the 2008-09 school year. Students would be awarded $100 for each math, science, or English exam they complete with a passing score. "This program fits perfectly with the goal set by our School Committee for every high school junior and senior to take at least one AP class," Malden Superintendent Sidney Smith wrote in a statement posted on Malden's website. Program officials estimate that they will be able to increase the number of Malden students passing the AP exams by almost 70 percent in the coming academic year. Revere Superintendent Paul Dakin said the program will make AP courses "a real possibility" for juniors and seniors, and announced a goal to double participation by 2013. Advanced Placement is a program of college-level courses that offer the opportunity to obtain college credit. Massachusetts is one of seven states that has launched similar programs. - Erin Ailworth and Katheleen Conti

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