The Ohio Department of Education recently announced that over $400,000 in Race to the Top Funds will be used to expanding the Advanced Placement network in Ohio schools.
The Advanced Placement (AP) program offers courses that provide high-school students the opportunity to earn credit at colleges and universities. The AP program aligns with the Ohio Department of Education’s vision of higher achievement for all students and the philosophy of providing all students with a rigorous education, according to the department’s website.
“These grants will allow schools to offer increased access to AP classes to more students,” said Stan Heffner, Superintendent of Public Instruction, in a news release from the ODE.
All 22 schools will receive $10,000 in the first two years of each schools three-year commitment. The schools also have the option to receive funding support for virtual learning options to each group of students, and priority registration for AP training for teachers.
“(The grant) will also allow AP teachers to receive the professional development they need to build a framework for success for the AP program,” Heffner said.
The grant is intended to increase AP students numbers in rural and urban areas that are currently underrepresented.
“Schools were chosen through a competitive application process that required applicants to show their vision of building an AP culture,” AP Network Coordinator Yolandé Berger.
Athens City School did not apply for the grant, Berger said.
In order to be eligible for the grant, applicants must live in a rural or urban district, provide verification that they meet federal requirements for free and reduced lunch, and have completed any prerequisites required for the AP course.
“(The schools selected) will use funds to provide this population with academic and financial support which will expose students to online advanced placement coursework not offered at their school,” according to the grant.
With the grants being put into effect next academic school year, the Ohio Department of Education plans to enhance and expand AP classes to prepare 21st century leaders in the state.
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