March 22, 2000
TO THE ADMINISTRATOR ADDRESSED:
SUBJECT: Clarification of the Texas AP/IB Test Fee Reduction Program
In 1999, the Texas Legislature increased funding for the Texas Advanced Placement International Baccalaureate Incentive Program. As explained in a letter to all districts dated August 26,1999, this means that the Texas Education Agency can expand the student test fee reduction component of the legislation. This letter will clarify how payments will be made for Advanced Placement (AP) examinations and how much the costs to students will be. Information on International Baccalaureate (IB) student fee reductions will be sent to every Texas IB campus principal and coordinator.
The information included in the attachment is for the AP/IB coordinator(s) or designee(s) who completes the forms related to test fees. However, all administrators should know:
- the Texas Education Agency will reimburse the College Board and the International Baccalaureate North American for the fee reductions that are passed on to students. No money should be collected from students over the amounts indicated below.
- no student should pay more than $46 for an AP exam or $20 for an IB exam.
- no student with financial need should pay more than $5 for either test.
The same policy will be in effect for the May 2001 exams so high school campuses may notify parents of this. It is the hope of the agency and the legislature that the fee reductions encourage more students to take challenging AP/IB courses and exams that can prepare them for college and may earn them a considerable number of credit hours at the college or university of their choice.
Sincerely,
Ann Smisko
Associate Commissioner
Curriculum, Assessment, and Technology
Enclosure
For further information on this topic, contact the Texas Education Agency's Communications Division at (512) 463-5947