Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme Exam Fee Subsidy Options for Spring 2019

This memorandum provides NEW information as well as serve as a reminder of the ways public school students may continue to obtain Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme exam fee subsidies for the upcoming spring 2019 exams.

What is New

• Massachusetts State Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate Diploma Program (APIB) Fee Subsidy Program (Subsidized Exam Fee: $15)
  The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) has allocated up to $322,596 to provide AP and IB exam fee subsidies for low-income* public school students taking the exams in spring 2019 only in districts that have one or more schools identified as requiring assistance in the state's accountability system. However, this subsidy does not apply to AP STEM and ELA exams already subsidized through Mass Insight Education (MIE).
  • Fee subsidy applies to: low-income students in districts that have one or more schools identified as requiring assistance in the state's accountability system
  • Reporting: Schools report to MIE (Mass Insight Education) if school receives MIE services; schools report to DESE if school not receiving MIE services
    • For details, please visit the AP and IB Exam Fee Subsidy Program website

Reminder

• Mass Insight Education (MIE) partner districts (Subsidized Exam Fee: $5)
  Economically disadvantaged students in Mass Insight Education (MIE) served districts who are not eligible for subsidy under the above APIB program, qualify for fee reduction for AP STEM and ELA exams only under a provision in the state AP STEM and ELA Program
  • Fee subsidy applies to: Economically disadvantaged students in Mass Insight Education (MIE) served districts
  • Reporting: Schools report to MIE (MIE reports to MA Department of ESE)
  • For additional information contact: Wesley Chin
    
    

• Districts May Use Federal Funds (Subsidized Exam Fee: determined by district)

  • Title IV, Part A of ESSA: Student Support and Academic Enrichment Grants
    The U.S. Department of Education's AP Test Fee Program ended on June 30, 2016. However, the AP Test Fee Program was consolidated with many other programs under Title IV, Part A, so that districts may continue to provide AP and IB exam fee reductions for underserved students.
    
    
  • Title I, Part A: Improving Basic Programs Operated by Local School Districts
    Funds from a School wide Title I program may be used to support AP and IB exam subsidies for all students in the school. However, funds from a Targeted Assistance Program may be used to support subsides for students who selected, based on academically related criteria, for supplemental Title I assistance.
    • School wide. A Title I school wide program may use Title I funds for activities that upgrade the entire education program of the school. Payment of low-income student AP and IB Exam fees may be part of the program if based on identified school needs and aligned with the school wide plan.
    • Targeted Assistance. . A school operating a targeted assistance program may use Title I funds to help eligible students meet the challenging state academic standards. A school may determine that paying a portion of an eligible student's AP and IB Exam fee benefits eligible students.
    
    
  • For additional information regarding allowable costs, contact the Federal Grants office.
    
    
• College Board AP Reduced Exam Fee (Subsidized Exam Fee: $53)
  • The College Board has different eligibility criteria for AP Exam fee reductions, depending on whether a school or district participates in the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP). Learn more about the College Board eligibility criteria.

Thank you for your attention to this matter and for ensuring that all students, especially our traditionally underserved students, have access to rich educational opportunities. If you have any questions about AP and IB exam fee subsidy options, please contact Erin Hashimoto-Martell, Director of STEM.

* Low income eligibility for the state test fee subsidies aligns with the Massachusetts Income Eligibility Guidelines (at or below 185% poverty level) on eligibility to participate in free/reduced price lunch for individual students. Additional proxies as outlined on the AP and IB Exam Fee Subsidy Program website can be used to identify low income eligibility for individual students in schools/districts participating or not participating in the Community Eligibility Provision.