Are the AP Tests Effecting Teaching?

I don't know what is currently going on with high school teachers, but at the middle school we actively counsel our students that wish to be competetive at that level, to go 'beyond' the assignments given. The advice is given to the whole class, but there is consistently about 25% of 8th graders that find themselves working at that level. They have had no problem with the AP classes or the tests that follow prior to college entry.

I think the AP system is very cool. I would like to see more offerings in poorer schools, where the college credits could really give them a flying start and save tuition.