Assessment

In the United States, there are many testing methods used in order to assess the learning development of a child.  Achievement test, , competency tests, aptitude test, are all used to identify and measure the students learning and performance capabilities.  When looking at a child as a 'whole individual', I think that the most important developmental aspect of a child would be his/her social/emotional development skills.

How well a child develops and interacts with his/her peers can determine a lot of what may be wrong or right in the child's life.  If a child is unable to communicate with other children, their may be something going on at home that is holding the child back.  The child may have had limited interactions with other children.  Assessing the social emotional stability of a child may be the key to finding out if a child is being abused at home or if he or she has ever been abused.

Once the social emotional development of a child has been assessed and verified; then I believe all other aspects of development can adequately be assessed that all children have a fair, descent, and quality education.

The United States admires other countries and their high scores on intellectual testing.  For example, Japan does not administer standardized testing until secondary school.