Stevenson students visit Capitol to learn about AP bill

Submitted by State Rep. Carol Sente

State Rep. Carol Sente, D-Vernon Hills, welcomed visitors from Lincolnshire's Adlai E. Stevenson High School to the Capitol recently to lobby in support of legislation helping more students qualify for Advanced Placement exam credit.

"It was exciting to bring civics to life for these students and engage them in every aspect of the legislative process, from drafting the original bill to overseeing its passage in both chambers," Sente said.

"This is legislation that will have a noticeable impact on numerous Illinois students by making a college education more affordable and rewarding those who choose to challenge themselves through tougher coursework."

Originating from an idea brought forward by the school's Political Action Club, Sente introduced House Bill 3428. The legislation comes in response to student, teacher and parent concerns that students are working hard to take AP courses, but receiving scores for which they are unable to receive college credit.

More than 40 students and faculty members from Adlai E. Stevenson High School made the trip to Springfield this week to lobby on behalf of Sente's initiative.

House Bill 3428 would expand AP exam credit at public universities and colleges to include scores of 3, 4 and 5, while leaving individual institutions the discretion to decide the type of credit that could be granted. The legislation helps to address the risings costs associated with obtaining a college degree by creating uniformity among the scores accepted for college course credit.

Sente's legislation passed with bipartisan support out of both chambers and now will advance to the governor's desk for consideration.

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