Different tests measure different aspects of learning. The Missouri Assessment Program (MAP), for example, is designed to measure student programs against the state's standards, which include both cognitive and process standards (Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, 2002). The Iowa Test of Basic Skills (ITBS) is a proficiency test, described by Deubel (2002) as a test measuring more than basic skills mastery and requiring students to develop problem-solving and critical-thinking skills in a constructivist environment. The ACT and SAT are measures of student achievement in specific content areas at certain points in their academic careers (Haladyna, et al, 1998).

In discussing standardized testing and assessment, Salpeter and Foster (2000) commented that standardized tests are not necessarily a good way of measuring the things that educators w

I agree with Pam's conclusion that Americans are divided on this topic. However, public opinion is not necessarily the only reason f or either maintaining the separation of church and state or putting an at least partial end to this separation. It is to the Constitution and the intent of the Framers that we should look in discussing this question. The textbook submission by Butts (2005) made note of the fact that the Framers were intent on ensuring that religious tolerance would prevail. I am not sure that Americans are always as willing to be tolerant of other faiths as is desirable. It is my belief that it is too easy for discrimination to sneak into the classroom and that allowing religion to be taught in the public schools would provide an excellent opportunity for this kind of abuse to occur. If anything, America is more multicultural today than it was when the Constitution was written and this makes it necessary to be more vigilant in avoiding discrimination.