WASHINGTON - The federal government awarded Louisiana $158,085 Tuesday to cover the costs of administering advancement placement tests to low-income high school students. The funding helped the state give some 3,140 exams last semester for no-cost, according to the Louisiana Department of Education. The exams usually cost $89 each. Students whose parents incomes are low enough to qualify them...
WASHINGTON - The federal government awarded Louisiana $158,085 Tuesday to cover the costs of administering advancement placement tests to low-income high school students.
The funding helped the state give some 3,140 exams last semester for no-cost, according to the Louisiana Department of Education. The exams usually cost $89 each.
Students whose parents incomes are low enough to qualify them for free, or reduced cost lunches, qualify for the subsidized Advance Placement Tests, which, with a passing score, give students college credit even before they begin their freshman year.
"Preparation in Advanced Placement courses gives these students a jump start in college by challenging them to develop stronger study and critical-thinking skills," said Education Secretary Arne Duncan. "These grants will eliminate some financial roadblocks and enable more minority students to gain access to rigorous AP courses, which will help them succeed in today's knowledge economy."
It can also save students some future college tuition by enabling them to complete their undergraduate studies early.
In all, Duncan released $28.8 million in grants to 42 states to cover fees charged to low-income students for taking advanced placement tests.
Information on the program is available at http://professionals.collegeboard.com/testing/ap/coordinate/details-state#Louisiana