Providing online AP courses to students in Maine
Registration
Registration for 2012-13 courses will open at 8:00 a.m. on March 5th.
How to register a student for a class:
Step 1: Eligibility
AP4ALL courses – including books and materials – are available at no cost for student residing in a Maine school administrative unit who is educated at the public expense. Funds for this program at the Department of Education are appropriated by the Maine State Legislature specifically to support Maine public schools. As such, Maine public schools and Maine private schools approved for tuition purposes as described in Title 20-A §2951 may enroll students at no cost. Home-schooled students may also participate in AP4ALL at no cost if they are registered through a local school administrative unit.
Students from schools other than Maine public high schools will only be enrolled if, after the March 19th initial registration period ends, there are fewer than 15 students who reside in a Maine school administrative unit and are educated at public expense enrolled in a particular course.
Students from schools other than Maine public high schools will be charged tuition of $500.00, will be responsible the cost of necessary books and materials, and a school mentor stipend will not be paid.
Please note that a foreign “exchange” student who does not pay tuition and has the approval of the Superintendent under 20-A MRSA Section 5205, sub-section 2 is considered a resident of the school administrative unit and is educated at public expense. As such, they are counted as a resident for subsidy under the appropriation for General Purpose Aid for Local Schools and they may participate in AP4ALL at no charge.
A foreign or non-Maine student who pays tuition to attend a school in Maine is not educated at public expense and nor are they considered a resident of the school administrative unit. As such, they (or the school they are attending) would be charged tuition of $500.00, and would be responsible for the cost of necessary books and materials.
Step 2: Identify Students ready to take an online AP course
Students who are considering enrolling in AP4ALL courses should be prepared both academically and for the rigors of online learning. Online courses are a terrific opportunity for the student who needs a course that does not fit into their regular schedule, as well as for the student who needs a course not currently offered by their school. However, be aware that Advanced Placement courses are by nature more demanding than regular high school level courses, and students should be prepared for a rigorous academic environment. When registering students, schools are expected to place students appropriately, confirming that the student is academically prepared to participate in an AP course.
While the asynchronous nature of online courses means that students can “attend” classes free from the constraints of time or place, it is highly recommended that every AP4ALL student has time during the school day dedicated to their online course. Online students are required to be independent and highly self-motivated. Students should consider the “Is online learning for you?“ page to assess their preparedness for enrollment in an online course, and they are also encouraged to consult with their Guidance Counselor for advice.
Step 3: Identify a School Mentor to support students from your school
AP4ALL recognizes the importance of having an on-site school mentor work closely with students taking online courses. The school mentor will help AP4ALL teachers guide and support students and increase the likelihood of student success. Each school that registers students must supply an on-site school mentor, who provides feedback to the teacher, keeps students on task, and ensures the integrity of students’ work. It has been our experience that the school mentor is critical to most students’ success.
School mentors are a student’s lifeline between AP4ALL classes and the local school. Mentors help students establish expectations for their online course, monitor student progress, and keep in touch with instructors and support staff. Only one school mentor per school is required, regardless of the number of students or the number AP4ALL courses in which those students are enrolled. Maine public high school mentors will be paid a stipend of up to $500.00 for supporting students enrolled from their school over the course of the school year. School mentors will be provided with guidance on fulfilling their role.
Step 4: Additional responsibilities of registering school
In addition to the three steps outlined above, it is the responsibility of the registering school to do the following:
• Accept and apply credit to the student’s transcript.
• Work directly with the student to assign specific time to AP4ALL coursework.
• Register and make arrangements for the student to take the AP exam.
• Reimburse AP4ALL for books/materials not returned by the student to the school mentor.
Step 5: Complete and submit a Student Registration Form for each student
A separate student registration form should be completed for each student enrolling in an AP4ALL course. Please note that this registration form should be completed by a school administrator (school counselor, Principal etc.), and not by a parent or student. There is no limit to the number of registration forms that schools can submit, although each individual student may only enroll in a maximum of two AP4ALL courses in any one academic year.
The initial registration period for 2012-13 will start at 8:00 a.m. on March 5th and end on March 19th at 5:00 p.m. Enrollment will be capped at 15 students per course. Maine public high school students residing in a school administrative unit and who are being educated at public expense will be enrolled before non-Maine public high school students. Home-schooled students may participate in AP4ALL if they are registered through a local school administrative unit.
After the initial registration period has ended on March 19th, if more than 15 students are registered for any course, a random drawing will be made to select those who will be enrolled in that course. Students whose registrations are not selected will be placed on a waiting list, and depending on circumstances, we may consider adding additional sections in oversubscribed subject areas.
After the initial registration period has ended on March 19th, if fewer than 15 students are enrolled in any course, registrations will continue to be accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis until September 4, 2012.
Note that if there are fewer than 15 students enrolled in any course on March 19th, the registration of students from non-public Maine high schools may be considered at that time. Students enrolled from non-public Maine high schools will be required to pay a tuition fee of $500.00 plus the cost of books and materials. The school mentor position at a non-Maine public high school will not be funded.
By the end of the day on Friday, March 23rd, the status of individual registrations will be communicated to the individual who submitted the registration form. After enrollments have been confirmed, additional information on specific courses – along with books and materials – will be distributed to enrolled students. Please complete a separate registration form for each student you wish to register. An individual student may register for a maximum of two (2) AP4ALL courses per school year.
Go to the student registration form (this link will be live starting March 5th at 8:00 a.m.)