Bill Would Fund Maine Online Advanced Placement Program

AUGUSTA, Maine - Maine lawmakers could end up funding Maine's online Advanced Placement program that's run out of money. The Legislature's Education and Cultural Affairs Committee held a hearing Wednesday on a Republican bill's to fund the $150,000-a-year program, which was previously funded by a statewide laptop initiative. Education officials have said the program's contract ends in June. Several parents and students argue the program benefits high-performing teenagers seeking an academic challenge and a leg up in competitive college admissions with free, rigorous courses their schools don't offer. But education officials question the program's effectiveness and say online early college courses through public universities are also available. Roughly 390 students signed up for the program in the 2017-2018 year, with half completing Advanced Placement courses.