MONROE - Twenty-three advanced placement biology students in the Monroe school district won't receive college credit for the tests they spent weeks preparing for, according to three parents who spoke at Monday's school board meeting.
Julie Barrett, one of the parents, said the counselor who administered the AP biology test provided the students with the incorrect type of calculator, meaning the College Board couldn't accept the tests and threw out the scores.
"We feel horribly," said District Administrator Cory Hirsbrunner. "It's something we're not proud of."
She said the district is in communication with the College Board, which is offering the affected students a chance to retake the test on July 1. The original test was in mid-May.
Another parent who spoke to the school board said she wants the responsible party to take "ownership" of the mistake. She said the counselor who issued the wrong calculators blamed the students, but should admit responsibility.
She also said, as a single mother, she would like to see the school district reimburse parents for the cost of the test. Her daughter is now working a full-time job and will have to sacrifice her time and money to get the credits she should already have, according to her mother.
"I want my girl to get those credits," she said.
More problems arise for students who have already left the area for jobs, college or travel. The third parent said her daughter is in Germany and had to bring materials to study during her trip so she can return home prepared for the make-up exam.
Many of the school board members expressed sympathy and apologized to the parents.
Board member Brian Keith said his son is one of the 23 affected students. He said his son told him that if he'd known they were the wrong calculators, he would have taken the test without one and been better off.
"We don't minimize the problems that have arisen as a result of this situation," said Joe Monroe, director of pupil services.
Julie Barrett, one of the parents, said the counselor who administered the AP biology test provided the students with the incorrect type of calculator, meaning the College Board couldn't accept the tests and threw out the scores.
"We feel horribly," said District Administrator Cory Hirsbrunner. "It's something we're not proud of."
She said the district is in communication with the College Board, which is offering the affected students a chance to retake the test on July 1. The original test was in mid-May.
Another parent who spoke to the school board said she wants the responsible party to take "ownership" of the mistake. She said the counselor who issued the wrong calculators blamed the students, but should admit responsibility.
She also said, as a single mother, she would like to see the school district reimburse parents for the cost of the test. Her daughter is now working a full-time job and will have to sacrifice her time and money to get the credits she should already have, according to her mother.
"I want my girl to get those credits," she said.
More problems arise for students who have already left the area for jobs, college or travel. The third parent said her daughter is in Germany and had to bring materials to study during her trip so she can return home prepared for the make-up exam.
Many of the school board members expressed sympathy and apologized to the parents.
Board member Brian Keith said his son is one of the 23 affected students. He said his son told him that if he'd known they were the wrong calculators, he would have taken the test without one and been better off.
"We don't minimize the problems that have arisen as a result of this situation," said Joe Monroe, director of pupil services.