INFORMATIONAL

The General Assembly this year passed HB 2553 regarding 
Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, and 
Academic Year Governor's School Programs.  This bill 
requires local school boards to develop a plan to notify 
students and their parents of the availability of Advanced 
Placement classes, the International Baccalaureate 
programs, and Academic Year Governor's School Programs, the 
qualifications for enrolling in such classes and programs, 
and the availability of financial assistance to low-income 
and needy students to take the Advanced Placement and 
International Baccalaureate examinations.  Governor Gilmore 
signed the bill, and all divisions are being asked by the 
Department of Education to provide information about these 
classes and programs to students and parents as soon as 
possible.

The Department of Education has received a grant from the 
U. S. Department of Education to reimburse part or all of 
the cost of the Advanced Placement test fees for low-income 
students who enroll in an Advanced Placement class and take 
an Advanced Placement exam.  A survey will be conducted 
soon after school begins to determine how many students 
will qualify for assistance.  Each school division that
provides the information requested will receive a grant 
award based upon a formula, available funds, and the total 
number of students reported from the survey.

For further information, please contact Vernon L. Wildy at 
the Virginia Department of Education, P. O. Box 2120, 
Richmond, Virginia 23218-2120 or (804) 225-2877.

PDS/VLW/eh