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The Classic Learning Test is disrupting the standardized testing status quo. Michael Torres, CLT’s Director of Legislative Strategy, explains how this fast-growing exam is quietly challenging the SAT/ACT duopoly, offering a rigorous alternative with longer reading passages, no-calculator math, and a focus on true college readiness. He traces CLT’s 10-year rise from a niche option for homeschool and classical school students to widespread adoption in public systems, starting with Florida in 2023. We discuss expanding recognition across major university systems, U.S. service academies, and the shifting state and federal policies that are embracing the CLT and reshaping college admissions. Our conversation explores the high-stakes policy battle behind the scenes: how the College Board is fighting to protect its control over education, how exams influence what gets taught in classrooms, and why CLT is pushing for “assessment choice” as a natural extension of school choice.
The Classic Learning Test Takes Aim at the SAT–ACT Duopoly, Education Next: https://www.educationnext.org/the-classical-learning-test-takes-aim-at-the-sat-act-duopoly/
The SAT’s Trust Fall: Legacy standardized-testing firms are cutting rigor to please students: https://jamesgmartin.center/2025/06/the-sats-trust-fall/
Advanced No More: The College Board has politicized and watered down its AP exams. It’s time for an alternative: https://jamesgmartin.center/2026/02/advanced-no-more/
Education Freedom Requires Assessment Choice: https://www.aei.org/research-products/report/education-freedom-requires-assessment-choice/?mkt_tok=NDc1LVBCUS05NzEAAAGXKFUyBMy40Gviu3qkSgUmowda-Q99ea--jWa_3vsQ-AT333_9uPSM-vpECDZudWaSLhUx7iK_tqbplaBdXq_6Dtbz6NOgOXzYCxP3SSO5_3osFXc
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