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Breast Cancer Awareness Month has widespread influence by EMILY FODOR Editor-in-chief Every October, Breast Cancer Awareness month brings new support from citizens in the United States.  With programs such as the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, we’ve made great strides leading to the cure for the cancer. Commemorating 25 years is the biggest milestone for breast cancer empowerment.  If the 3k run wasn’t enough for Susan G. Komen for the Cure®, the foundation sponsored pink lids for many Yoplait yogurt flavors to donate money to the cause.  The lids are titled “Save lids to save lives” and Yoplait will donate $.10 to Susan G. Komen for the Cure® for each pink lid redeemed by December 31. However, this is not where the efforts end.  In the past, items like the Keep A Breast Foundation’s “I love Boobies” bracelets have  donated proceeds to the cause, and it’s no different for 2011.  President Barack Obama sent out a proclamation regarding the dispersal of the infamous pink ribbons to support this cause, but it doesn’t stop there.  The NFL teams are wearing pink paraphernalia including cleats and headbands.  One player, Chargers nose tackle Antonio Garay had a pink ribbon shaved into the side of his head.  In addition, a new official football debuted with a pink ribbon that all games will use during the month of October. Sophomore Willie Levier says, “I think it really is great that the NFL is doing all this stuff to support the cause.” These efforts are mainly to remind women 40 and older to get annual mammograms.   The simple test is believed to catch cancer early and even save lives on the road to a cancer free life being that breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in the United States aside from skin cancer. Sophomore Dayna Sorrento says, “Everyone knows at least someone who has suffered or survived from the cancer, that’s why this month hits so close to home.” Although there is a special month devoted to Breast Cancer Awareness, we must all remember that we can help the fight for a cure every day of the year.  More information about the cause can be found on: nbcam.org #breastcancerawareness #EmilyFodor #NFL

by MATT GORDON Staff Writer 10. McDonald’s- Yes, the golden arches do make the list of top values. The expansive dollar menu features many classics, such as the McDouble and small fries, as well as some new favorites, like the fruit and yogurt parfait. 9. Kentucky Fried Chicken- The colonel would be proud to know that his world famous chicken is a modern value. Their plated meals give you a taste of home cooking on the go and are a great value for someone looking for a complete meal. 8. Nathan’s Famous- From the classic corn dog to a Philly cheesesteak, Nathan’s is known for bringing classic American fare for a low price. However, what gives this restaurant its value is the inclusion of Arthur Treacher’s seafood, which adds variety and another choice if you’re not in the mood for a hot dog. 7. Baja Fresh- Latin and Mexican food has really taken our country by storm. Not only does the food taste good, but at Baja Fresh, everything is prepared right in front of you and made fresh. If that is not value, I don’t know what is. 6. Dunkin Donuts- Everybody’s favorite neighborhood coffee shop is a value of its own. For breakfast, lunch, and even dinner, you can eat a different type of meal every time. Also, with endless flavors of donuts, how could you not find one that you love? 5. Panera Bread- Although being viewed as a little expensive, Panera Bread is worth every cent. With a menu based on soups, salads, and sandwiches, it is also a healthier choice than the usual burger joint. 4. Chick-fil-a- With the signature sauces for dipping, one could definitely eat more of this chicken. However, the crinkle-cut fries are definitely some of the best out there, and also pair well with the dipping sauces. 3. Chipotle- Yet another Mexican-based restaurant makes the list and this one is absolutely the best out there. A simple menu has allowed for better attention to the details and the traditional Mexican flavors shine through. This quite possibly could be some of the best dollars ever spent. 2. Wendy’s- Unanimously the best burger of all of the burger joints here, but the square burgers are not the only things different with this restaurant’s burgers. Every one comes with all the toppings already on for your enjoyment, and their choice of side dish allows you to pick and choose what you want for your value meal, unlike the usual side fries. Also, their old training videos are pure gold. You will definitely have this song stuck in your head after viewing this video. 1. Five Guys- In a category of its own, Five Guys provides a gourmet burger for a mere$5, and their signature steak-style fresh-cut fries are truly to die for. Once again, a simple menu and the focus on doing one or two things right paid off, with the restaurant receiving many high ratings from Zagat surveys for best fast food burger and best value. Five Guys is definitely the best fast food value out there, and is a can’t miss restaurant for a quick bite. #fastfood #MattGordon #topten

A look inside the devastating effects of Hurricane Irene by JULIA BACCHETTI Social Media Coordinator Hurricane Irene made land fall on Sunday August 28,the first hurricane to hit New Jersey since 1903. Moving northward along the coastline, Irene made its way to Monroe, causing catastrophic flooding and power outages along the Jersey Shore.   No one anticipated Irene to be such a threat to the community, leaving nearly 130 homes flooded or water-damaged. In the aftermath of the destruction, family members, neighbors and friends walked through the streets of Monroe, consoling each other.   Junior Emily Moyes says, “I saw some houses that were completely flooded, even one house broken in two. It was so tragic.”   Jamesburg also faced damage due to Lake Manalapan in Thompson Park overflowing. The Red Cross and FEMA came to the aid of many families. Good Samaritans have also been helping victims of the hurricane. Relief efforts have been set up in many areas to help clean up and restore the community. With the help of social networks, groups have been set up by community members, such as the Lange family. These exemplary community members lent a helping hand to those affected by Irene.   One positive outcome of the hurricane is the way the citizens of Monroe came together to help people in need.   “It was so amazing to see the community come together and help,” says Language Arts teacher Mrs. Renee Hardt, who witnessed firsthand the effects Irene had on Monroe.   Although Hurricane Irene devastated the East Coast, it showed that, in a time of need, people will come together to support anyone affected. #hurricaneirene #juliabacchetti #monroe

Instead of looking at students’ SAT scores, colleges begin accepting  ACT scores by BETHANY CHAN Staff Writer/ Layout Certain colleges do not look at students’ SAT scores because they believe they do not reveal the true intellect of individuals. Instead, college admissions are beginning to weigh ACTs more than the SATs. The SAT test, also known as the Scholastic Aptitude Test or the Scholastic Achievement Test, is required by most colleges. The test covers math, critical reading, and writing, the three important areas in school. However, according to FairTest, about 830 four-year colleges in the United States do not require their students to take the SATs. FairTest is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to ending the flaws and misuses in standardized tests. Colleges that do require the SATs say that the test is a fair way to compare how the students do academically. However, some colleges are beginning to look more closely at  ACT scores. The ACT (American College Testing) is very similar to the SAT and covers all the parts of the SAT.  However, it includes a science section, an English grammar section, and an optional writing section. However, the SATs consist of more vocabulary than the ACTs. Instead of being scored out of 2400 points like the SATs, the ACTs are scored out of 36 points. Most four-year colleges and universities began to accept the ACT scores in lieu of SAT scores as of 2008. Colleges, such as community colleges that do not consider at SAT scores, will most likely focus more on ACT scores because of the need to test a student’s academic capability. Since the ACT contains more sections than the SAT, students have more of an opportunity to exhibit the wide range of their knowledge. For example, a student might do better on the science section than the critical reading. The fact that all the parts of the ACT are completely multiple choice may suit some people’s testing preferences. Although colleges accept both the SATs and ACTs, some colleges, such as the University of Arizona and the University of Texas, think that the ACTs are fairer because they are content-based tests, while the SATs are more problem-solving and critical-thinking. Micah Chan, a junior at Rutgers University, says, “It is fair that colleges accept both the SATs and the ACTs because that way, students have the choice to take the test they prefer.” #ACTs #BethanyChan #college #SATs

by KATERINA MARTINEZ Staff Writer Reported by 24/7 Wall Street, some well-known and popular companies may be gone by the end of 2011. The current economic climate has increased, and for Wall Street to take less than a year to predict what companies may be gone is not a good sign. Number one on the list is Reader’s Digest.  Their issues are published all over the world, especially in the UK, and they have recently emerged from bankruptcy protection. Although they have emerged from Chapter 11 bankruptcy with 75 percent less debt, the UK administrators are looking to sell the business as a going concern.  If they fail, Reader’s Digest will have to stop publishing in the UK after 72 years of hard work. Another top company that may disappear by 2012 is the popular movie rental store, Blockbuster.  For two decades, Blockbuster has been the national leader of the movie rental business. Over the years, they have kept their prices elevated and their late fees even more expensive.  Meanwhile, new, smaller companies have taken over.  For example, the Redbox machine and Netflix have lower prices, which, to most people, are better alternatives. Last year, Blockbuster lost another $65 million and is now considering bankruptcy.  They will not close all 6,000 of their stores, but around-the-corner locations will definitely disappear.  While their walk-in business is dead, Blockbuster plans to stick around through a small DVD-by-mail business. RadioShack is known as one of the oldest retailers in the country.  During the 2010 fiscal year, their profits rose eight percent to $205 million and revenue rose one percent to $4.28 billion.  Although their stores have been known around the world, the company has been getting bullied by Best Buy. Best Buy has developed a smaller version of RadioShack, but with better prices and a wider variety of electronics.  Sophomore Jaclyn Vogel says, “I only go to RadioShack when Best Buy doesn’t even have what I am looking for. It is basically my last resort.” RadioShack is looking for a possible sale of the company for about $3 billion.  If Best Buy takes over it, they will not keep RadioShack’s name. With the help of RadioShack, Best Buy plans to open 75-100 stores dealing mainly with mobiles. The economy is changing and so is the rest of the world.  Companies have to be able to adapt in order to survive. #Bankruptcy #Chapter11 #KaterinaMartinez

A new planet may be able to hold human lifeforms by ANNIE WANG Staff Writer New planets are not usually found very often, especially ones that might be habitable. A new planet called Gliese 581d is located on the outer part of the Habitable Zone or “Goldilocks zone”. It was discovered in 2010 and was announced that it may be habitable for all kinds of life. The “Goldilocks zone” refers to Earth-like planets that are a certain distance from a star and have the right conditions to maintain life. The name comes from the story “Goldilocks and the Three Bears”, where Goldilocks always chooses the item that is “just right”. Different types of liquids could be sustained inside of the environment. Furthermore, the atmosphere keeps the planet warm enough to help everything remain stable. The search is being carried out both from telescopes on the ground and from space. The US Space Kepler Telescopes, launched in 2009, should release its data this year about the planet. From the data gathered, scientists have determined that the planet is Neptune-sized. NASA is hoping that their telescope will give them more information on the planet. “With future generations of telescopes we could search for life directly on the planet,” says Robin Wordsworth, Institute Pierre Simon Laplace. New telescopes are being created for the purpose of finding life on Gliese 581d. Scientists are hoping for the best, and that there might be some bacteria to prove that organisms can thrive. Still, while some scientists believe that the planet may be real, it might not be able to support humans. French researchers have run computer simulations, concluding that the planet is likely to contain large amounts of carbon dioxide. They theorize that the planet can only hold water and a huge downpour of rain. They also say that its denser air and dim red light from its host star would be toxic to humans and create a murky environment to live in. Moreover, the existence of the planet is still being questioned by skeptics. Gliese 581d’s predecessor, Gliese 581c, was discovered in 2007. Later in the discovery, researchers realized that the planet is too close to its star, and the temperature would be very hazardous. After almost giving up hope for a habitable planet, researchers discovered Gliese 581 d. Since scientists discovered complications with the first planet, some assume that there will be some kind of problem with Gliese 581d. Some researchers hope that this planet will lead to the discovery of other habitable planets; others think that there must be something wrong with Gliese 581d. Either way, all are waiting for the information from the telescopes that could make or break their theories. #AnnieWang #NASA #newplanet #science

New show “X Factor” misses the mark by a mile by EMILY FODOR Editor-in-chief Simon Cowell’s show “X Factor” debuted in America on September 21 at 8 pm on FOX 5 without a bang.    With judges including Paula Abdul, Nicole Scherzinger, L.A. Reid, Cowell, and guest judge Cheryl Cole, you would think that this show would be out of the park, but unfortunately, it didn’t even make it to the outfield. The new singing competition disappointed my expectations.  While being extremely similar to “America’s Got Talent”, “American Idol”, and “The Voice”, it fell way below par.  The auditions were in front of a studio audience and I, as a viewer, had seen it all before. The host, who is English along with Cowell and Cole, was Steve Jones.  Correct me if I’m wrong, but who is this humorless stranger?  While only announcing contestants and narrating the episode, he lacked charisma and likability compared to America’s sweetheart, Ryan Seacrest. The show won’t make it to a second season.  Despite the fact that I am judging this show after only seeing an episode or two, it will be difficult to redeem at this point. Sophomore Taylor Evanchik says, “I skipped the show because it appeared to be like every other singing competition on TV and I’ve seen it all before.” The prize, contrary to other miniscule shows, includes a $5 million record contract and a Pepsi commercial airing during the next Super Bowl.  In addition to that bombshell, the show has a record-setting low age limit of 12 years old and up.  “X Factor” claims they will be dividing the finalists into groups titled “boys”, “girls”, and “groups” in the future of the show. “I watched the first 15 minutes with my family and I was dying of boredom,” says sophomore Conner Parke. “I tried to give it a chance, but it wasn’t capturing my attention enough.” Unfortunately, I’ve also already written off this snooze-fest considering it was brutal to even survive the two hour premiere.  Dear Simon, maybe England liked this “phenomenon”, but America doesn’t think it has any factors that are exemplary, let alone the “X factor”. #EmilyFodor #xfactor

by MARIELLEN NOEL Staff Writer Physical Education teacher Ms. Eileen Kelley’s freshman 4A gym class of 2010-2011 celebrated their achievement of being prepared every class of the school year on June 15, 2011. “We noticed first marking period that the first four weeks had gone by and no one was unprepared yet,” says Ms. Kelley. “I mentioned to the kids to keep it up, so we negotiated what was in it for them. Once I told them that I’d bake for them, they kept it going.” At the end of each marking period, the class received baked goods from Ms. Kelley and, on the last full A-day of the school year, they celebrated with a party. “I never thought of being prepared every day,” says freshman Krissy Lassiter. “I just was and I think it was the same for everyone else.” The class squealed and cheered as Ms. Kelley told them what was on the menu for them. The menu of homemade baked goods included cinnamon rolls, cream puffs and “death by chocolate” cake served with a choice of water or milk. “Ms. Kelley is a great cook,” says freshman Evan Kane. Principal Robert Goodall, Athletics Director Damon Placenti, and the Health and Physical Education Coordinator Greg Beyer visited the class during the party. All three made speeches about how amazing it is that a class never had a student that was unprepared. When they asked what happened if someone forgot shoes or shorts, they were shocked when the class told them that they would borrow from a friend or the lost and found. Mr. Goodall encouraged the class to continue their historic streak during the following school year. Freshman James Burbank says, “It’s not that hard to get changed each day, so it’s not that hard of a goal to set.” This class made MTHS history their first year at the school. They have set the standard high for both themselves and the students in years to follow. Who are they? Nicolette Alongi, Jareth Antona, James Burbank, Freddie Burton, Alexis Caccio, Joey Davino, Aaron Fawzy, Lucia Fernandez, Alexa Foxall, Justin Gaffrey, Hartej Gill, Vincent Grassi, Allison Harrigan, Zachary Higgins, Jerica Huang, Evan Kane, Krissy Lassiter, Sylvia Mei, Anchalee Pagsanjan, Megan Romanczuk, Taylor Smith, Shondelle Tillman, Alexis Todaro, Richie Toth, Kyle Volkman #freshmen #gym #MariellenNoel

The sports world’s weirdest traditions by MATT GORDON Staff Writer The sports world has always been a way to start traditions within a family, whether it is watching the big game at home with your family every week or going to a game with your friends once a year. It has also come up with traditions of its own, slightly more complicated and deeper than your average family traditions. Each sport has its own unique tradition that can never be repeated, at least to the same extent. Here are some of the wackiest and most popular traditions in sports today. Indianapolis 500: Watching cars turn left for four hours may not seem very exciting for you, but this sport is still deeply ingrained in many traditions. One tradition stands out from the crowd and is the tasty treat of the winner: drinking a huge jug of milk after winning the Indianapolis 500. Just watching the dairy drink run down the winner’s ecstatic face is a tradition in and of itself. Started in 1933 by Louis Meyer, this tradition stands alone as one of the oldest in sports. Hockey: The city of Detroit has always been known for its cars and insane dedication to their many sports teams. One tradition in this city has remained constant throughout the city’s possibly most popular sport and team: the Red Wings. Every playoff season, the hockey team’s fans show their insane dedication by throwing octopi onto the ice before the action gets started. This tradition was first started in 1952 during the Stanley Cup playoffs as the eight-legged cephalopod symbolized the eight wins it took to win the cup back then. Baseball: America’s oldest sport is full of many traditions, but none of them are as prestigious as the seventh-inning stretch, found in every single game of professional baseball to this day. This tradition is said to be started by either Brother Jasper or former President Howard Taft. In 1882, Brother Jasper, former Manhattan College baseball coach, is said to have made the spectators stand up and stretch, hoping to gain a cheerful emotion from the crowd to will a win in his team. It is disputed, however, that in 1910, President Taft rose to stretch his back in the seventh-inning of a Washington Senators game. Upon seeing their leader stand up to stretch, the spectators also rose and created a new tradition. Football: In Green Bay, football is their life and the beloved Packers are in a mix of traditions, being the first Super Bowl winners. The Lambeau Leap is a common tradition displayed during games. As a Packers player scores a key touchdown, players will often leap into the stands at the back of the end zone and be held up by the nearby spectators and patted on the back by others as a congratulatory gesture. This leap was popularized by Packers Safety LeRoy Butler after he jumped into the stands after a fumble recovery in 1993. College Basketball: If you have ever watched a College Basketball Championship game, you know about the cutting down of the nets afterward by the winning team. Ever since North Carolina State head coach Everett Case cut down the net for a souvenir after a Southern Conference Championship win in 1947, teams that win their respective conferences and even the National Championship have cut down the nets and kept them with their trophy. #Football #MattGordon #sports #basketball #racing #topten #baseball #hockey

People of all different sizes throughout the world struggle with the dilemma of changing for the wrong reasons by SAKINA HUSSAIN Section Editor People all over the world are constantly part of the struggle that is self-image. Everyday we are faced with a new list of standards that have to do with race, sexuality, and most commonly, weight. Obesity is an epidemic in America, and a number of different programs and campaigns are going all out in order to decrease the number of obese people in the United States First Lady Michelle Obama herself is leading a national public awareness campaign called “Let’s Move.” According to ABC news, the purpose of the campaign is to eliminate childhood obesity by helping parents make better food choices, offer better food in schools, and encourage children to exercise more.  The intentions behind programs such as “Let’s Move” are almost always good, but that does not necessarily mean that the results will be just as good. The problem with these programs is the stigma that they induce. Although the point is to help overweight people pursue a healthy lifestyle, the message that is sent is more along the lines of “We love you, but right now, you’re just not good enough.” Undoubtedly, people will argue that this is not what is really being said, and anyone making that inference should be more sensible. However, when a person is bullied and criticized constantly about his/her weight, it almost becomes instinct to take the negative meaning behind all weight-concerning comments. Of course, there are a certain number of people who will understand that the intentions behind these programs and comments concerning their weight are for their own good, but the people who are unable to see anything but the negativity behind said programs have to be taken into consideration. There are several factors that lead to obesity and even more factors that have to do with the difficulty of overcoming it. All of this needs to be considered when trying to come up with a horde of weight-loss programs that are mostly good for increasing stigma among already insecure obesity “victims.” The first thing that people need to understand is that even if a person is overweight, they can still be healthy. If that is the case with someone, then the best thing to do is to leave them be. Pressuring someone else to lose weight for the sole purpose of looking better will increase insecurity and will send the wrong message. If, however, someone is overweight to the extent that it is affecting his/her health, then a loved one can and should encourage him/her to pursue a healthier lifestyle. Even in this situation, though, it has to be emphasized that the person in question is aiming toward becoming healthier because that is top concern. Here is when problems begin to arise. Being overweight tends to begin at a younger age, therefore leading to the person being ridiculed and criticized by peers and even some cold-hearted and ignorant adults throughout all his/her life. So, when trying to help this person become healthier, even if the point of improving his/her health is clearly emphasized, said person will most likely feel insecure about the fact that he/she is being forced to change. Acceptance is something all people strive for, and the perfect body image, in today’s society, is a large part of receiving that acceptance we all so badly want. Even when someone manages to be accepted, there is still the question of being loved. When people are being told, “Sure, you’re fat, but I accept you,” they will begin to fear if acceptance is interchangeable with love and loyalty. The sad truth is that these people most likely are led to believe that the two are, in fact, not interchangeable. Sure, their friends will say that they accept their weight, but then, they will stop talking to them. Not only are there endless programs dedicated to controlling children’s weight, but there are also several programs dedicated to anti-bullying that completely ignore weight discrimination. In fact, the only state that outlaws weight discrimination is Michigan. This is most likely because people probably feel that if they ward against weight discrimination, then it might be interpreted that they are saying, God forbid, that being fat is okay and that fat or overweight people should not be punished. Now it only makes sense to say that if people believe that being told to lose weight equates to not being good enough, those people are insane. However, if it is possible that being told to stop bullying innocents in the form of overweight people could lead to the belief that being overweight is completely fine, which it is, then people will do nothing about weight-related bullying so as not to send the wrong message. The sad part is that this is not even exaggerated. The bottom line is that being fat, overweight, obese, or whatever you want to call it is not a bad thing. There is a difference between being fat and being unhealthy, and it is time people learn the difference. People can absolutely be large and beautiful, and it is time people learn how to accept that. It is time that people start paying attention, stop being ignorant, and start accepting each person for who he/she is. #obesity #PresidentObama #SakinaHussain

The debate about cell phones and cancer is reignited by ANDREW DINICOLA Staff Writer The connection between cell phones and cancer has been disputed ever since cell phones became popular. Most scientists argue that there isn’t enough evidence to bring up the argument that extensive cell phone use can cause cancer. However, the debate of this undying topic was brought up at a panel for the World Health Organization, the first big health organization to hold this discussion. The myth that cell phones can cause cancer originated when there was a discovery that they give off a weak form of energy called non-ionizing radiation. Upon this discovery, an uncountable number of tests were performed to see if this radiation could be harmful to humans. The results were that the radiation was linked to three different types of very rare tumors that are very highly unlikely to be developed just from cell phone use. In 2010, a study was conducted in 13 different countries to see if cell phone use affected certain individuals, and if that there was a higher risk of brain tumors. The International Journal of Epidemiology stated that there is no bond between cell phones and brain tumors, but those who did use cell phones excessively had a 40 percent higher chance of being diagnosed with the brain tumor glioma. In this day and age, nearly every pre-teen or teenager has a phone by the age of 12 or 13 in the United States. Since most of the U.S. adults have a cell phone for business or just for recreational use, there is no question that majority of the population uses their cell phone excessively and that there is a small, but increased risk for brain tumors to develop. So what course of action should be taken to warn those of excessive cell phone use? Nothing, in fact, the bond between the two isn’t even confirmed yet because scientists are still arguing all the time that the radiation emitted from the cell phones is too weak to cause any damage, and is unrelated to brain tumors. However, another reasonable course of action is to use a Bluetooth headset. Bluetooth uses a wireless communication system so that it too possibly gives off the same radiation as cell phones do. Scientists have not studied these headsets like they have cell phones, and therefore information about Bluetooth being related to cancer is inconclusive. Certain people are always going to make a fuss about cell phones causing cancerous tumors, and there are always going to be investigations about the same topic because it will always come up in society. Though there is no true evidence to suggest that there is a direct link between cell phones and cancer, those who are users should be cautious and not talk on the phone five hours a day. #cellphone #cancer #WHO #AndrewDinicola #study

New studies show that tough courses aren’t as great as they sound by KATHRYN OLIVA Staff Writer More and more students are signing up for difficult sounding courses.  According to the Department of Education, the number of high school graduates who have taken these classes has almost tripled in the past two decades. Even though students have signed up for advanced classes, they are not scoring any higher than students in standard classes on standardized tests and end-of-course exams.  The reason is because the class expectations do not fit the name. A recent federal study of 38,000 high school transcripts showed that the number of high school graduates taking advanced placement classes has risen from five percent in 1990 to 13 percent in 2009. According to researchers, schools label courses with impressive sounding names to fulfill parent interest in harder coursework for their children, and the courses make schools look good by offering these impressive classes. “I am in honors classes and have been since my freshman year.  When I read the description of my classes in the class selection book, they looked very challenging.  They are very difficult, but some of the descriptions made them sound basically impossible,” said sophomore Emily Moyes. In 2001, researchers at Michigan State University studied 13,000 eighth-grade students’ Timss, an international math and science exam, test scores.  They compared the school’s math courses with the textbooks used in these classes.  In about 15 percent of the cases, the textbook covered less than the course’s name suggested it would. Researchers said that course inflation is easier to recognize in math and science, but it is happening in subjects such as English and History as well. Disbelief about the actuality of the courses from parents and policy makers has led to the rapid growth of Advanced Placement courses.  These courses are the College Board’s program of college level courses for high school students.  Over the last 10 years, the number of Advanced Placement exams taken by students has jumped from 1.2 million in 2000 to 3.1 million in 2010. Hoping to encourage tougher classes beyond the traditional program, politicians and educators in many places have promoted the Advanced Placement program. Although the number of students taking these courses has risen, so has the failure rate on the AP exams.  The exams are graded on a one to five scale.  The percent of students earning low scores of a one or two rose to 42.5 percent in 2010 from 36.4 percent in 2000. #advancedplacement #collegeboard #KathrynOliva