More recently, in both countries, standards, while still significant, have been overshadowed
by mandatory testing programs, not always carefully aligned with curriculum
content. It is the tests that determine what is taught more than the standards.
In the United States, where required tests seldom include arts and humanities, these
subjects have become “endangered species” in the curriculum (von Zastrow 2004).
The divergence of policy directions between most museum education programs and
state schools complicates the tasks for museum educators.