About 160 new and experienced Advanced Placement teachers are receiving free training this week and next week thanks to the state's Race to the Top-funded AP Summer Institute.

The state aims to graduate more college-ready and college-successful students by providing them with rigorous, college-like course experiences. By completing AP courses, students have a greater understanding of the demands of a college curriculum and may gain college credits.

With programs offered in Middletown and Lewes, the Institutes make sure teachers understand the content of AP courses and help them design successful lessons and classes for all of their students, particularly for those from underrepresented student groups.

The state is paying for the Institutes, which are cost-free to participating educators, with $556,000 from Delaware's $119 million federal Race to the Top grant.

Educators will be trained in subjects including: biology, Calculus AB, chemistry, environmental science, English literature and composition, human geography, English language and composition, art history, Spanish and world history. 

The Institutes were chosen to concentrate in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) areas, in areas in which Delaware students have traditionally underperformed nationally or in areas where there is a great need for continued professional development. Human geography  actually is a new course that is not yet taught in Delaware, but the College Board reports that its research shows a strong correlation between students who succeed in this course and those students succeeding in college.

The first institute runs today through Thursday. The second is Aug. 1 to 4.

The media is invited to visit either session. To arrange a visit, please contact Delaware Department of Education public information officer Alison Kepner at akepner@doe.k12.de.us or (302) 735-4000.