Published by Pearson Assessment & Information, this test dates back to 1926 and is periodically updated into a new series. As of 2011, the 10th series is in use. Many states have developed their own performance tests to meet the mandates of the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, but the Stanford Test remains the most comprehensive tool for testing. According to the Pearson website, it is more comprehensive and provides more accurate information to identify students who may need extra help, as well as identifying what a school is doing well in its education efforts.
The most basic use of the Stanford Achievement Test is to ensure that all students within a school are performing within the same objective range. With this information, the school can ensure that the requirements of the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 are met. Testing of this type can identify at-risk students who may need extra help or special accommodation.
The Stanford Achievement Test is used in public and private schools throughout Alabama. Each state may use any state-wide achievement test it chooses, as long as it meets the requirements of the No Child Left Behind Act. The Standford Achievement Test results reflect the Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) for Alabama, which is required to be reported to the U.S. Department of Education. No other standardized achievement tests are administered in Alabama to determine AYP.
There are 29 Catholic schools in Alabama, divided by diocese. Using the Accountability Reporting System, the Alabama Department of Education (alsde.edu) maintains records on individual school performance, including Catholic schools. Testing records are available back to the 2001--2002 school year.