Virginia Advanced Study Strategi

Who We Are

Virginia Advanced Study Strategies(VASS) is a non-profit state organization created September 2007, by a partnership between Virginia and the National Math and Science Initiative (NMSI). The mission of VASS is to encourage high school students throughout the Commonwealth to prepare for exciting careers in math and science by enrolling in challenging Advanced Placement classes. Businesses throughout the nation are very concerned to find that too few students in the United States are accepting the challenge to become scientists, engineers, and technicians, thus putting our nation's position as an international leader at risk. Using seed money from NMSI and several Virginia businesses, Virginia Advanced Study Strategies supports the development of new AP classes, and strengthening of existing programs, in a variety of ways:

A staff of AP content directors in math, science, and English provide training for teachers in curriculum, instruction and assessment to help them prepare for the AP classes and tests. Intensive training each summer is followed-up by continuous communication and support throughout the school year.
VASS staff work with local schools to identify and support a lead teacher in math, science, and English at each local project who interact directly with the content directors to secure resources necessary for the local students to have success in their programs.
VASS collaborates with Virginia universities to link college professors and resources with the AP classes.
VASS provides incentives for AP teachers and students to accept the extra challenge of these rigorous programs.
VASS covers the cost of AP tests for students in the program.

See our Resources page for information on AP credit policy and higher education and other reference material.

Virginia Advanced Study Strategies
National Math and Science Initiative in Virginia
820 Bruce Street, South Boston, VA 24592

Office: 434-572-5474 Fax: 434-572-5555
vassinfo@svhed.org

New Job Openings New
Co-Director of Math
Co-Director of Science
Co-Director of English

First Year Results Are In

Two years ago, the National Math and Science Initiative (NMSI) began its mission to raise the bar in American math and science education. Today, NMSI and its partner, Virginia Advanced Study Strategies, congratulate students and teachers in Virginia for tremendous success in the first year of our program.

NMSI 2009 Annual Report
Increase in AP Exams for Math, Science & English Charts
Cohort 1 Chart of Qualifying Scores
Cohort 1 Chart of Qualifying Scores, Part II
Increasing Student Achievement Using Proven Methods
National Program Results by State
Map of Cohort 1
Results Flyer

New Chairman Elected to the Board of Directors

At the December 09 Annual Meeting, the VASS Board of Directors named Barnie Day (shown below on the right) its new chairman. Jack Reasor, on left, will continue to serve as vice chair.