Advanced Placement®, which provides college-level coursework to high school students, should be considered an integral component of curricula throughout Iowa. AP is one of the oldest and most respected academic provisions for highly motivated and highly capable students; AP courses and exams are a recognized means of academic rigor at the high school level. In addition to excellent preparation for colleges/universities, scores on the national AP exam often provide students with college credit and course placement.

The major purpose of the Iowa Governor’s Conference on AP is to provide information on AP in Iowa, so that schools can introduce AP into their curriculum or expand/enhance the AP courses they currently have. The goal is for all Iowa high school students to have the opportunity to take and succeed on an AP exam. When it comes to AP in Iowa, geography will not dictate opportunity.

The State of Iowa Legislature appropriated funds to the Belin-Blank Center through the Iowa Department of Education, making it possible to offer this unique professional development opportunity at no cost for invited participants.

Conference speakers will include representatives from the Iowa Department of Education, College Board, and The University of Iowa Office of Admissions. Governor Chet Culver has been invited to make opening comments. A listing of all speakers will be announced in future communications.

This conference has been endorsed by:

• Governor Chet Culver
• U.S. Senator Charles Grassley
• U.S. Senator Tom Harkin
• Iowa Legislature (both the House and Senate)
• School Administrators of Iowa (SAI)
• Iowa Association of School Boards (IASB)
• Iowa State Education Association (ISEA)
• Iowa School Counselors Association (ISCA)
• Iowa Gifted and Talented Association (ITAG)
• College of Education, The University of Iowa
• Office of Admissions, The University of Iowa

The Iowa Governor’s Conference is by invitation only. Costs for registration fees, materials, and conference meals are covered.