At the federal level, funding for the Advanced Placement Test Fee Program is being eliminated as a separate funding stream, which means that South Dakota will no longer be able to access these funds to help cover the cost of AP exams for low-income students.

Superintendents and high school principals should have received a letter and an email alerting them to this change in the program. The letter outlined the South Dakota Department of Education’s plan to fund test fees, with state dollars, for one year (2017 test administration). After that, districts will need to plan accordingly. Questions can be directed to Sam Shaw with the Department of Education.