Advanced Placement Conference

INFORMATIONAL LETTER: 36
POLICY CODE: IHCD

TO: Superintendents, High School Principals, Headmasters, High School Guidance Counselors, AP Coordinators, and AP teachers
FROM: Susan A Gendron, Commissioner of Education
DATE: October 8, 2009
RE: Advanced Placement Conference

I am pleased to invite you to the Maine Department of Education’s second Annual Advanced Placement Conference to be held on October 30, 2009 at the Augusta Civic Center. The theme for the conference is “Effective Practices to Enhance Student Learning.”

Teachers, AP Coordinators, Administrators, and Guidance Counselors have achieved great outcomes by expanding opportunities for more students in Maine to access AP courses. Since 2000, we have grown from 300 teachers teaching AP courses to more than 700 teachers today. The number of graduates who have had at least one AP experience has increased from 2,095 students in 2002 to 6,517 students in 2009.

We are very fortunate to have two wonderful speakers joining us. Tommie Sue Anthony, Arkansas Advanced Initiative of Math & Science of Little Rock, understands the issues of equity and opening access to students who are not traditionally served in Advanced Placement courses. Also, Marcia Wilbur, College Board Executive Director for Content Development for the AP Program, will discuss current AP Program development topics.

We have structured the day to include course specific breakout sessions. Please see the attached agenda and session guide. Coordinators of AP will have an opportunity to connect with other Coordinators, share best practices, and stretch our thinking for improving and expanding AP programs.

The agenda may be viewed at http://www.maine.gov/education/apip/registration/103009.html . There is no cost for school administrative units meeting the 40% low-income criteria. Teacher substitute costs will also be covered by those schools qualifying. The cost for all non-qualifying school administrative units is $50.00 per attendee. Please make checks payable to: Treasurer, State of Maine. Registrations should be received no later than October 22, 2009. Please register online at http://www.maine.gov/education/apip/workshop/registration.html . There is no cost for school administrative units meeting the 40% low-income criteria. Teacher substitute costs will also be covered by those schools qualifying. The cost for all non-qualifying school administrative units is $50.00 per attendee. Please make checks payable to: Treasurer, State of Maine. Registrations should be received no later than October 22, 2009.

Please register online at www.maine.gov/education/apip/registration

For more information on conference registration, please contact Nancy Lamontagne at 207-624-6822 or by email nancy.a.lamontagne@maine.gov .