Advanced Placement Incentive Program - Questions and Answers

1. May I apply now to get some funding before the current year expires?

Answer: Yes, you may apply for funds at anytime as long as funds are still available.  In order to be eligible your class must meet the criteria listed on the application including but not limited to:

1. 20% of the students in the class meet the income criteria or an increase of 20% of the number of students who meet the criteria over the previous year.
2. The funds requested are above & beyond what the district can pay.
3. Materials can only be purchased for number of students in the class.

2. If our district is having budget problems and we don’t know where to get the money to order materials/texts can we write a grant?

Answer: You may write a grant to purchase texts and materials for the course as long as it is above what the district can pay for.  You may only purchase enough materials for the number of students actually enrolled in the class and teacher materials—as long as 20% of the students in the new AP class meet the income criteria.

 

3. Does the grant cover not only the cost of the summer workshop, but is there room for a stipend in it?

Answer: The professional development funds will pay only for the cost of the institute including room & board at the rate cited by the institution, tuition for the institute, and travel.  We will not cover teacher stipends nor the college/graduate credit offered by some institutes.  All funds requested must be supplemental to local funds.  The grant will pay for substitute costs for teachers attending workshops if the district cannot pay.

4. Does a teacher need a special certificate from the state department to teach an AP course?

Answer: A teacher does not need to have a special certificate from the state to teach AP for the purposes of the Advanced Placement Incentive Program.  However, a new teacher must have attended an AP summer institute or provide evidence of knowledge to teach an AP course.  Remember, AP courses are college level courses taught at the high school.

5. If UMO’s project for the Advanced Placement Incentive Program grants contacted us, should we contact them?

Answer: Districts/schools are encouraged to participate in the University of Maine, National Center for Student Aspirations, project under the state’s APIP grant if they have AP courses and are working to increase the participation of low-income, low aspiring students in AP courses.

6. If there is (are) low income student(s) in the class, will the material be provided for the whole class?

Answer: In order for a classroom to be eligible for APIP funds 20% of the students need to meet the income criteria or an increase of 20% of the number of students who meet the criteria over the previous year,  which ever is higher as established in the Higher Education Act.  These are the only students eligible for test fee reductions and full payment.  Classroom sets of materials may be purchased for the specific number of students in the class.

7. How would we find out about AP professional development programs that are going to be held in the state?

Answer: Materials on all professional development activities in the state are mailed to all superintendents, high school principals, guidance directors, AP coordinators and specific targeted audiences.

8. If we have heard no word about the money being forthcoming on a pending grant, may we have our teachers purchase supplies now?

Answer: Until you have received a signed and approved contract you are not assured of being reimbursed for your purchases.  No expenditures can be reimbursed if encumbered prior to the start date of the grant.

9. How does the reimbursement work?

Answer: Once the district has purchased or paid for the activity/materials, the district submits an invoice from the district to the Department of Education with copies of receipts or purchase orders attached.  The district must submit the deliverables before the final 10% of the grant is reimbursed unless written extension for the deliverables is granted.

10. Can you tell us what will be approved on our application?

Answer: We cannot approve any applications over the phone; all applications must be submitted to the department and reviewed by the Advanced Placement Incentive Program Director prior to any approval.

11. Can we make any changes on our purchases after our application has been accepted and approved?

Answer: No, not without prior approval.  Written notification must be sent to the department with any changes on purchases that differ from the original application.

12. Can we apply for funds even if we don’t have 20% low-income students in the classroom?

Answer: 20% of the students in the classroom must meet the low-income criteria in order to be approved under the Advanced Placement Grant.   If 20% of the students are not low-income,  students are expected to purchase their own materials

13. Do you need documentation for the low-income students?

Answer: You must keep the information in the district’s records.

14. How do we identify low-income students when they will not apply for free and reduced lunch?

Answer: You may use parent information or other information that you can collect to determine if the student’s family meets the income levels.

15. Are there funds available for Vertical Teaming?

Answer: Funds will be available for some aspects of vertical teaming.  Vertical teaming workshops have been held in English Language Arts and Social Studies.  Plans are in process for workshops in Foreign Languages, Science and Math.

16. Does the grant pay for equipment?

Answer: The grant will not pay for permanently installed equipment or computers.  Other requests are addressed on a case- by -case basis.

17. Does the grant pay for the total cost of attending a workshop?

Answer: The grant will cover the cost of the workshop, the lodging if it is not included in workshop or institute, and travel to/from if the class includes 20% low-income.  The workshops sponsored by the Maine Department of Education are open to all teachers at no cost.  The grant will not cover the cost of College Credit.

If there are any additional questions, please contact Nancy Lamontagne in writing to:  nancy.a.lamontagne@maine.gov.