Nothing is more likely to distort one's understanding of reality than the notion of relativism. It was for good reason that Thomas Aquinas began his treatise "On Truth" by repudiating the "error of the ancient philosophers [Democritus and Protagoras] who said that any opinion a person has in his intellect is true and that two contradictories can…

The use of assessments in public schools in the United States to link student test scores to school performance has arguably transformed assessments into accountability tools. Dennis S. Rosemartin, a former elementary classroom teacher, is currently a PhD candidate at the University of Arizona. His area of specialization is teacher preparation and…

The phrase "no child left behind" has become a familiar expression in American education circles and in popular culture. The sentiment implied by these four words is noble. However, the effects of the top-down implementation of the high-stakes testing provisions of the law have been anything but salutary for public school children,…

Addresses the issue of student cheating in undergraduate programs. Discusses the role of student-managed honor systems in addressing this problem. (JRH)

Giving tests and assigning grades are stated to be important aspects of teachers' responsibility for facilitating student learning. Opposition to testing is discussed, objections are criticized, and beneficial consequences of evaluation are listed. It is maintained that tests do not cause cheating, or excessive discouragement, competition, or…