"Orlando-area students learn to escape the FCAT writing 'cage'" (Orlando Sentinel, 02/09/09)

At Southwood Elementary in Orange County, writing is infused into every subject, to make putting words to paper interesting, fun and relevant.

And to make sure it is not a neglected subject.

But learning to write does not involve memorized formulas or phrases to use on the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test. "I'm proud of our teachers that we don't teach them to pass the test," Principal Laurie Storch said.

"More Low-Income Students Taking AP Classes" (EdWeek, 04/04/09)

SUBSCRIBERS ONLY: More students from low-income families are taking and passing Advanced Placement tests, but non-Asian minority students—particularly African-Americans—are still underrepresented among those taking and passing the tests of college-level material, according to results released today.

College Board Will Offer a New Test Next Fall

A new test intended to prepare eighth-grade students for high school and college courses, not for use in assessment or college admissions, will be available to schools next fall, according to the College Board. The New York Times, October 22, 2008