The Virgin Island's Education Department has received a grant of $282,520 to fund advanced placement classes at the territory's public high schools. According to a release from the Education Department the grant, which came from the U.S. Education Department, will fund the AP program starting with the 2000 – 2001 school year and continue in the same amount for two more years.
According to a release from Education Commissioner Ruby Simmonds the grant will allow for two AP classes the first year in calculus and advanced English. In the second year history and Spanish will be added. Music and science AP classes will be added in the third year of the grant.
"Students who pass advanced placement tests receive college credit," Simmonds said. The tests cost $78 per student. To ensure all students who are eligible get to take the tests Simmonds said the Education Department will pay the fees for up to160 students in May 2001, 320 students in May 2002 and 480 students in 2003. The payment of the fees by education is limited to public school students, Simmonds said. Parents of students applying for the help will have to complete an eligibility survey, she added.
The release stated the Advanced Placement Incentive Program of the U.S. Department of Education offers grants to pay the fees for "low-income individuals" and to support State Educational Agencies to increase participation of low income students in advance placement courses and testing. The release did not say if Education had or would receive a grant for the fees.
"Another major component of the grant is the training of teachers who will teach the AP classes," Simmonds said.
For more information on the grant or student eligibility call 774-0100.
