The MA Budget Conference Committee released the FY18 Budget earlier today, with the following recommendation for line item 7035-0035 regarding AP STEM and English:
7035-0035 For a competitively bid, statewide, performance-based, integrated program to increase participation and performance in advanced placement courses, particularly among underserved populations, to prepare students for college and career success in science, technology, engineering, mathematics and English; provided, that these funds shall support all of the following program elements for each school: (i) open access to courses; (ii) identifying underserved students and increasing their rates of participation in advanced placement courses; (iii) equipment and supplies for new and expanded advanced placement courses; (iv) support for the costs of advanced placement exams; and (v) support for student study sessions; provided further, that these funds may support teacher professional development, including a College Board-endorsed advanced placement summer institute for math, science and English advanced placement teachers; provided further, that such program shall provide a matching amount of at least $1,000,000 in private funding for direct support of educators; provided further, that funds shall be disbursed by the beginning of the 2017-2018 school year to cover costs expended between August 1, 2017 and July 31, 2018; provided further, that this program shall work in conjunction with an existing, separately funded, statewide pre-advanced placement program; and provided further, that funds may be expended for programs or activities during the summer months ………………………………………………………… $2,592,809