Discusses historical events influencing the development of the British Columbia assessment program. Examines the program's goals, organization, and impact including a review of specific follow-up actions which have occurred at provincial and school district levels since the program's inception. Examines difficulties in the design and…

The Ontario Ministry of Education conducted case studies of the testing programs in nine selected school districts. Results are presented in narrative form on the major study questions: testing program development and organization, the tests administered, uses of test results, and perceived role of the ministry in evaluation programs. (SJL)