Standardized testing in Alberta was first known to be introduced in 1892 by the government of the North-West Territories (Northwest Territories refers to the current territory of Canada, North-West Territories refers to a prior territory), of which modern day Alberta was originally part of. As a result, currently the territorial governments of the current Northwest Territories and Nunavut still use the Alberta curriculum as a result of this historical geographic evolution. The government instituted the examinations through Alberta Education to attain greater accountability and ensure its students were well regarded when applying to tertiary institutions. There are two types of provincially administered standardized testing in Alberta and the territories: Provincial Achievement Tests (PATs) and Diploma Examinations (diplomas). Tests may be administered in English or French. Alberta, out of all Canadian provinces has the most standardized testing procedure of any province. The first type of exams, Provincial Achievement Tests, are taken by students in grade 6 and 9, typically in May and June. The second type of exam, Diploma Examinations, are taken by students enrolled in 30-1 and 30-2 level courses. Results of the diplomas are an important factor in admissions to universities and colleges across Canada as exam results make up 30% of the course grade for 30-level subjects. Standardized testing is controversial in general, and Alberta is not an exception. The Alberta Teacher's Association is formally against standardized testing. History Provincial Achievement Tests In 1983, the ministry instated an "Achievement Testing Program" for grades 3, 6, and 9. These were different than Provincial Achievement Tests because they assessed only one core subject (English language arts, social studies, mathematics, and science) a year. The grade 3 program was later cancelled. Diploma Examinations 1892 was the first time that students in, what is today Alberta, took provincial exams. At the time, Alberta had not been created as a province yet and was part of the North-West Territories. These exams were taken in Standards V through VIII (grades 9 to 12). It is because of this shared history that today, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut both take some of the Alberta exams. In 1896, the exams were removed because teachers argued that students were being "monetized" because the school received $15 for each student who passed the exam. In 1905, exams were reinstated and were now worth 100% of the course mark. These exams were called “Public School Leaving Examinations”. They were