Test Fees For Low-Income York Students Zeroed Out

ELMHURST, IL — The Elmhurst school board on Tuesday did away with fees for Advanced Placement tests for York High School's low-income students.

In doing so, York joins comparable schools such as Lyons Township, Hinsdale Central and Hinsdale South. Students who pass such tests gain college credit.

The test fee for non-low-income students remains at $98. Under the old policy, the district charged low-income students $40, although they could access outside grants to reduce that amount.

Officials said they proposed zeroing out the fees for low-income students to provide equal access to educational opportunities.

During a discussion, board member Jim Collins suggested the district go with a deposit of $15. That money could be returned after students take the test, saying that may help avoid situations where students sign up for tests but don't take them.

"A long time ago, I learned that something free is seldom valued," Collins said.

Member Athena Arvanitis said she would like to know the rate of no-shows, but suspected it was a tiny percentage. She said she liked the proposal because it reduced barriers for low-income students.

Collins said he agreed.

"Even at the $98, I don't think you can find a cheaper three hours of college credit anywhere. I have no problem with it ending up at net zero," Collins said. "But I think even if you took the $15 deposit, just to make sure that people showed up for the test, it's a good idea."

Officials said they could track the number of students who sign up for tests but don't take them. They also said more students have taken AP tests in recent years, but the passing rate has not kept up.

Collins said he was for anything that would persuade students to show up for AP tests.

"I don't care if our pass rate goes down. I care that more kids are getting the benefit of some early college credit," he said. "Hopefully, after you have accumulated enough college credit, that incentivizes you to go on to college."

The board unanimously voted for the proposal for zeroing out fees for low-income students. Member Chris Kocinski was absent.