New Zealand students may 'text-speak' in exams

I'm sure many will cry the death of the English language at this news. CNN reports that New Zealand high school students can use text messaging abbreviations on national exams:

New Zealand's Qualifications Authority said Friday that it still strongly discourages students from using anything other than full English, but that credit will be given if the answer "clearly shows the required understanding," even if it contains text-speak.

Link via Slashdot.