Pearson Education has given notice that they will discontinue the SAT10 series after 2016. Because of this, representatives from the American Association of Christian Schools (AACS)—of which BJA is a member—have invested hundreds of hours in researching alternatives to the SAT10. For the top contenders, AACS team members read every test item on every test from kindergarten through grade 12. While no national assessment is Christian, the most neutral was clearly the Iowa Assessments. Based on this research along with the factors of cost and service, AACS has signed a contract with Riverside Publishing. Beginning next school year, 2015-2016, BJA will stay with the AACS testing program and switch to the Riverside Publishing Iowa Assessments test series. This test battery is highly respected and nationally normed and comes with decades of experience.
The Bible tells us that knowledge without the fear of the Lord creates pride. Along with the challenge to learn well, teachers encourage students to invest their knowledge and abilities for the glory of the Lord and to point others to Christ. Each of us will one day stand before the Lord and give account for what He has entrusted to us. Teachers encourage each student to strive for an excellent spirit along with knowledge and understanding. “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; but fools despise wisdom and instruction” (Proverbs 1:7).