As anyone who has ever taken a standardized test knows, the last step in preparing for the test is to sharpen your No. 2 pencil. That may not be enough, however, for those thinking about taking college entrance exams. Planning and preparation for the ACT/SAT should begin now for rising seniors. Here are some topics to consider as you establish your test-taking strategies.

Gov. Jan Brewer has cleared one hurdle for new research on the possible medical benefits of marijuana.

Dear Mikey,

In a move that could cripple the organization, Gov. Jan Brewer signed legislation Friday to block the state's three universities from collecting fees for the Arizona Students Association.

This summer “Cinderella,” “High School Musical” and “Legally Blonde” will all be making their way to the main stage at Ahwatukee Children’s Theatre (ACT).

For high school seniors this is the time of year when emotions run high. The month of April brings its own set of challenges as seniors approach May 1, National Decision Day. This is the day when seniors who have been offered admission to a college or university must accept or decline all offers. How will you make this very important, perhaps even life-changing decision? Here are a few tips to guide you:

The Arizona Board of Regents will start the process next month to see if there are ways that some illegal immigrant "dreamers'' can qualify for lower tuition than they now have to pay.

Desert Vista High School’s dancers invite young dancers to have fun while learning dance techniques at the Spring Dance Clinic on Saturday, March 23 from 1 to 4 p.m. Walk-in registration and pre-registration check-in begins at 12:30 p.m. The dance clinic is open to all students in grades Pre-K through eighth grade.

City elections

It’s time to bring out the shamrocks and deck ourselves out in emerald. St. Patrick’s Day is March 17 and the 30th anniversary of the St. Patrick’s Day Parade is on March 16. The parade and the Irish Faire are sure to turn downtown Phoenix into one big green party.

Sitting in a wing catty-corner from the front office at Desert Vista High School, nestled behind an outdoor play area, Thunder Tykes preschool has catered to children of school staff and other local residents since 1996.

As staff at the Mesa Arts Center began preparation for its second “Festival of Creativity,” MAC executive director Cindy Ornstein said the group was looking for something to pique their interests — a spark, of sorts.

Part of a cultural exchange program that at one point included about 65 schools, Kyrene Akimel A-al Middle School in Ahwatukee Foothills is one of the few remaining host schools in the state.

Claiming illegal retaliation, the Arizona Students' Association is asking a federal judge to void a vote by the Board of Regents changing how its fees are collected.

State lawmakers are moving to throw a new hurdle in the path of divorced parents who want to move.

The hit Broadway musical, “Avenue Q,” is considered an adult version and parody of the popular television series “Sesame Street.” Many of the characters and puppets are spoofs of the children’s TV show and utilize adult situations, themes and language.

For the first time in 30 years, the W.P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State University will open a new building on the Tempe campus this summer.

A state program that provides parents with funds to use toward education has grown more than three-fold since it began.

Tiberius is a 3-year-old Lhasa Apso mix who is cool and confident. He’s a friendly guy looking for his forever family to take him home. He has a lot of energy and enjoys other dogs. Tiberius would do best in a home with another very playful dog. He does not have any prior training, but that’s because no one has cared enough for him. If you work with him and reward him with treats, he’ll be an A+ student.

A state program that provides parents with funds to use toward education has grown more than three-fold since it began.

The state Board of Regents on Monday suspended the ability of the Arizona Students’ Association to impose its $2-a-semester fee amid questions of how the money is being spent.

If you have school-age children, you know that the school years go by quickly, so it won’t be long before your kids are ready to head off to college. Will you be financially prepared to help them?

Did you know that cash gifts, which are paid directly to the college for tuition and fees (from people other than the parents) should be avoided. These gifts will be treated as a student “resource” and a dollar-for-dollar deduction in financial aid.

Tempe Union High School District will ask voters to approve a 15 percent override along with a $75 million bond next month.

A complaint about an illegal campaign contribution to the Proposition 204 campaign appears to have little legal merit, according to the Secretary of State's Office.