Gifted Issues Discussion homepage Forums General Discussion High achievers shut out of AP courses

The U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights (OCR) announced today that it has entered into a first-of-its-kind resolution agreement in Alabama. The Lee County School District entered into an agreement to ensure that all students, including African American students, are provided an equal opportunity and equal access to Advanced Placement (AP) courses and other higher-level learning opportunities that will provide students with the skills necessary for success in college and careers.

Under the agreement, the district will:

Develop a comprehensive district-wide plan for addressing the underrepresentation of African American students in AP and higher level courses;
Identify any barriers to African American students' participation in AP and higher level courses, and ensure that African American students have an equal opportunity for participation in the courses;
Permit students to participate in distance learning opportunities at schools providing more AP and higher level options;
Establish dual-enrollment courses with the local community college for students at the predominantly African American high school and provide transportation for all students who elect to take dual-enrollment courses;
Encourage students at all of the district's elementary, middle, and high schools to aspire to attend college, and to participate in AP and higher level courses.