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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What does it actually look like to unwind federal control of education? Keri D. Ingraham, Director of the Discovery Institute’s American Center for Transforming Education, joins the podcast to discuss the first year of efforts to scale back the U.S. Department of Education and return authority to states and families. Drawing on her experience as a teacher and administrator, she argues that downsizing bureaucracy can drive efficiency, innovation, and stronger outcomes for students. She also explains how the new Education Freedom Tax Credit will expand school choice across the country, but only if all 50 states opt in.

The Education Department Is Shrinking: Staff cut by half, billions saved, and states empowered: https://www.wsj.com/opinion/the-education-department-is-shrinking-5bf05e23?mod=commentary_article_pos2

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What if the real education crisis isn’t falling test scores, but a generation losing the ability to focus deeply, think critically, or even just read an entire book? In this episode, Dr. Kathleen O’Toole of Hillsdale College explains why today’s students are less cognitively developed, and how classical education offers a powerful alternative. From the failures of literacy instruction and colleges of education to the impact of screens and COVID disruptions, we discuss what went wrong and what can be rebuilt. O’Toole makes the case for content-rich learning, great books, and the formation of the whole person, and explains why more families are turning to these models, especially now that expanding school choice programs empower families to choose a classical education option. In an AI-driven world, Dr. O’Toole argues, classical education graduates’ ability to develop their minds, acquire knowledge, and think for themselves may provide the ultimate advantage.

How the Classical Education Movement Is Rescuing a Lost Generation | The American Spectator | USA News and Politics: https://spectator.org/how-the-classical-education-movement-is-rescuing-a-lost-generation/

Classical education can help students endure the age of AI - Washington Times: https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2026/jan/13/classical-education-help-students-endure-age-ai/

Nine questions every parent should ask before choosing a school for their child: https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/opinion/4471562/questions-ask-parents-schools-enrolling-child-registration/

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