Bill > H1435

This bill requires all public higher education institutions in Massachusetts to develop and implement written policies for accepting Advanced Placement (AP) examination scores of 3, 4, and 5 to satisfy degree requirements. Institutions must clearly specify how these AP credits can be applied (such as towards general education, major, or elective requirements) and provide procedures for credit transferability. An institution can only require a score higher than 3 if its chief academic officer provides substantial evidence that a higher score is necessary for student success in advanced coursework. The Department of Higher Education will provide guidance on what constitutes acceptable evidence for requiring scores above 3. Institutions must post these policies on their websites and submit them to the Department of Higher Education, which will also publish the policies online. Furthermore, the Board of Higher Education will conduct an annual review of each institution's AP credit policies, examining any justifications for requiring scores above 3, and must submit a report to legislative leaders by July 1 each year. The first annual report is scheduled for July 1, 2025, and the Department will determine the implementation date, which cannot be later than one year after the bill's enactment. The goal is to create transparency and consistency in how AP exam credits are awarded across Massachusetts public higher education institutions.

Education

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H1435