R277-707-4. Distribution and Use of Funds

  (1) The Superintendent shall distribute Enhancement of Accelerated Students program funds as follows:

  (a) the greater of 1.5% or $100,000 to support IB programs;

  (b) 60% of the total EASP allocation to LEAs to support Gifted and Talented programs; and

  (c) the remaining funds to LEAs to support AP programs.

  (2)(a) The Superintendent shall determine funding to be awarded to an LEA's IB programs by:

  (i) dividing the number of students enrolled in an LEA's IB program by the total enrollment of students in IB programs throughout the state; and

  (ii) multiplying the result from Subsection (2)(a)(i) by the total IB allocation.

  (b) The Superintendent shall determine 30% of the funding to be awarded for LEA AP programs by:

  (i) dividing the number of students enrolled in an LEA's AP classes by the total enrollment of students in AP classes throughout the state; and

  (ii) multiplying the result from Subsection (2)(b)(i) by 30% of the total AP allocation.

  (c) The Superintendent shall determine 70% of the funding to be awarded for LEA AP programs by:

  (i) dividing the number of students in the LEA receiving a three or higher on an AP examination by the total number of students receiving a three or higher on an AP examination throughout the state; and

  (ii) multiplying the result from Subsection (2)(c)(i) by 70% of the total AP allocation.

  (3) If an LEA fails to demonstrate progress in meeting plan goals for placing and retaining underrepresented students in accelerated programs, the Superintendent may:

  (a) place the LEA on probation and provide targeted technical assistance; and

  (b) reduce funding to the LEA.

  (4) Subject to the general requirements of Section R277-700-7:

  (a) A middle school or high school:

  (i) shall provide all course registration opportunities to each student; and

  (ii) through consultation with students, parents, educators, and administrators, may consider academic readiness, but may not require prerequisites for enrolling in an AP or IB course.

  (b) A school that offers a program eligible for funding under Section 53F-2-408, may not prohibit a student from enrolling in the course based on the student's:

  (i) grades or grade point average;

  (ii) state standardized assessment scores; or

  (iii) referral or lack of a referral from an educator;

  (c) In addition to the restrictions listed in Subsection (d), a middle school or high school may not prohibit a student from enrolling in a course based on the student's:

  (i) grade level;

  (ii) participation in or passing a pre-requisite course;

  (iii) participation in or passing an honors-level or college-preparatory course; or

  (iv) requirements over the summer.

  (5) An LEA may use Enhancement for Accelerated Students Program funds for:

  (a) gifted and talented programs, including professional learning for teachers;

  (b) identification of underrepresented students;

  (c) Advanced Placement courses;

  (d) Advanced Placement test fees of eligible low-income students, as defined in Section 53F-2-408;

  (e) International Baccalaureate programs; or

  (f) International Baccalaureate test fees of eligible low-income students, as defined in Section 53F-2-408.