This qualitative study explores parents' perceptions and satisfaction with schools' test preparation materials and the effects and challenges of district-mandated test preparation materials on teachers. Parents attempt to assist their students in getting into the best schools by spending money on commercial test preparation materials and private tutors. Those parents who cannot afford the costs of commercial test preparation, usually those whose children attend low-performing schools, depend upon teacher test preparation strategies or free, outside-of-school support to provide what students need to obtain necessary scores on college admissions exams. Budgets of rural school districts differ from urban school districts, creating gaps in ability to provide test preparation materials that will increase test scores. Teachers experience various challenges due to district-mandated implementation of test preparation materials, including stress, anxiety, and burnout. This study utilized data collected via focus group interviews with parents and teachers to determine their perceptions of test preparation materials and their effects. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]