MN HF1528

Clarifies that advanced placement and international baccalaureate programs are well-established academic and career-related programs for grades pre-K to 12 that provide academic rigor, curricular design, accountability, external assessment, and global academic competition opportunities.

Allows secondary teachers and other interested educators assigned to teach AP or IB courses to participate in training programs offered by The College Board or International Baccalaureate Organization, with the state paying a portion of tuition, room, board, and out-of-state travel costs as determined by the commissioner.

Requires the commissioner to submit annual reports to the legislature by February 1 detailing enrollment numbers, teacher training participation, support program participation, trends, and expenditures for rigorous course-taking programs including AP, IB, and postsecondary enrollment options.

Appropriates $8,500,000 for fiscal years 2016 and 2017, with 60 percent allocated to advanced placement and 40 percent to international baccalaureate programs, with at least $2,000,000 annually dedicated to teacher training programs and follow-up support workshops.

Requires the state to pay all examination fees for low-income students and to pay part or all examination fees for other students to the extent of available appropriations.