Most standardized testing programs do not furnish examples of the kinds of information young people actually know. Instead they indicate only (1) how far an individual student is above or below an average score, and (2) the average score of a classroom or a school in relation to others. In contrast, National Assessment evaluates educational…

Thirteen evaluation methods are analyzed by orientation. Typically, clients want politically advantageous studies; evaluators prefer questions-oriented studies; audiences favor a values orientation. Evaluators must recognize the narrow scope of question-oriented studies and the perspectives of client and audience. (CP)

This is an edited version of the overview chapter from a report on a 1971 survey of state educational assessment programs. The procedures used in carrying out the survey are described, and a number of major trends in the approach to state assessment are discussed. Finally, some of the more important problems encountered by the states in their…