A school participating in the program may be awarded:
(1)
a one-time $3,000 equipment grant for providing a college advanced placement course or international baccalaureate course to be paid to a school based on need as determined by the commissioner; and
(2)
$100 for each student who scores a three or better on a college advanced placement test or four or better on an international baccalaureate examination.
(b)
Funds awarded under Subsection (a) shall be used in the manner determined by the campus team established, by the principal, under Subsection (c).
(c)
The principal of each school participating in the program shall convene, at least annually, a team composed of not more than five members, with not fewer than three teachers, to include at least one teacher participating in the program and at least one teacher who teaches students in preparation for their participation in the program, for the purpose of determining the use of funds awarded under Subsection (a). Nothing in this section limits the authority of the team to direct expenditure of funds awarded under Subsection (a)(2) for awards to individual teachers participating in the program.
(d)
A teacher participating in the program may be awarded:
(1)
subsidized teacher training, not to exceed $450 for each teacher, for a college advanced placement course or an international baccalaureate course;
(2)
a one-time award of $250 for teaching a college advanced placement course or an international baccalaureate course for the first time; and
(3)
a share of the teacher bonus pool, which shall be distributed by the teacher’s school in shares proportional to the number of courses taught.
(e)
To be eligible for an award under Subsection (d), a teacher must teach a college advanced placement course or an international baccalaureate course.
(f)
Fifty dollars may be deposited in the teacher bonus pool for each student enrolled in the school that scores a three or better on a college advanced placement test or four or better on an international baccalaureate examination.
(g)
A student receiving a score of three or better on a college advanced placement test or four or better on an international baccalaureate examination may receive reimbursement, not to exceed $65, for the testing fee. The reimbursement shall be reduced by the amount of any subsidy awarded by the college board or the International Baccalaureate Organization or under Section 28.054 (Subsidies for College Advanced Placement Test or International Baccalaureate Examination).
(h)
The commissioner may enter into agreements with the college board and the International Baccalaureate Organization to pay for all examinations taken by eligible public school students. An eligible student is a student who:
(1)
takes a college advanced placement or international baccalaureate course at a public school or who is recommended by the student’s principal or teacher to take the test; and
(2)
demonstrates financial need as determined in accordance with guidelines adopted by the board that are consistent with the definition of financial need adopted by the college board or the International Baccalaureate Organization.
(i)
The commissioner shall analyze and adjust, as needed, the sum of and number of awards to ensure that the purpose of the program is realized.Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 260, Sec. 1, eff. May 30, 1995. Amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 854, Sec. 1, eff. June 20, 2003.Amended by:Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., 1st C.S., Ch. 4 (S.B. 1), Sec. 49.01, eff. September 28, 2011.