The development of "The Performance Battle" began as an interest in the standardized testing issue within our country. The debate continues over performance-based testing versus multiple-choice tests. In this thesis, the history of standardized testing is discussed as well as the various types of multiple-choice tests that are used to assess our students. Three state assessment programs are examined to survey different assessment strategies. Lastly described is the alternative of performance-based assessment that could be used as another way to answer the public's questions about student performance.