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Advanced Placement

Advanced Placement courses in South Dakota are optional advanced courses offered both in-person and through the South Dakota Center for Virtual Education. More information on Advanced Placement can be found on the College Board website.

AP Test Fee

Starting with the May 2017 AP exams, South Dakota will no longer be able to access the federal AP Test Fee Program funds to help cover the cost of AP exams for students from low-income families.

It is the South Dakota Department of Education's intention to use its own state allocation of Title IV funds to cover the cost of the May 2017 AP exams, for students from low-income families. This arrangement will be for one year only.

After the 2016-17 school year, districts will need to plan accordingly if they want to continue providing this benefit to students. At present, it appears that this type of activity will be an allowable use of a district s Title IVA allocation. As more information about ESSA s Title IV Programs becomes available, we will be in contact with school districts.

This combination of local, state, and College Board subsidies results in a: free exam fee for low-income students for up to three AP Exams per student this year for the 2017 AP exam administration.

Districts must keep documentation on file attesting to the fact students are eligible for this subsidy.

Learning Power Students are not eligible for this subsidy. Contact Learning Power administrators for further questions and instructions. Note: Learning Power is also discontinued at the end of the 2016-17 school year.

Schools Responsibilities

Before the exams:
On the AP Exam Ordering website, enter the total number of students whom your school can attest fulfill the criteria to receive fee reductions for low-income students and the total number of exams they will take.

After the exams:
  • Fill in the "Option 1" circle on qualifying students' AP Exam answer sheets.
  • When generating your invoice online, enter the total number of exams taken by qualifying students.
  • AP Coordinators will forgo the collection of AP Exam fees from qualifying students.
  • AP Coordinators must submit a copy of their invoice to the state.
  • The College Board will bill the state directly per exam per qualifying student.

Useful Links

Qualifying students receive a letter from the South Dakota Department of Education stating they qualify for the college readiness coursework program.

Public school students who took the ACT exam and/or the South Dakota English language arts (ELA) and math assessments in the spring will receive a letter from the South Dakota Department of Education notifying them about this program. Students who participate in subsequent ACT exams in the fall will not receive a letter.

College readiness coursework is offered through Lake Area Technical College.