In Florida, middle grades students take the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test 2.0 (FCAT 2.0) in reading and writing. In partnership with the Southern Regional Education Board (SREB), Avalon Middle School implemented the Literacy Design Collaborative (LDC) framework beginning in the 2012-2013 school year to develop literacy skills across content areas. Subsequently, the school saw increases in the percentages of students meeting and exceeding standards (Level 3 and above) on the FCAT 2.0--well exceeding statewide results. This brief paper explains how they did it and proves that when teachers believe students can do rigorous course work, students will often meet those expectations.