Includes bibliographical references.

Introduction -- National assessments of student achievement -- What are the main elements in a national assessment? -- How does a national assessment differ from public examinations? -- Why carry out a national assessment? -- Decisions in a national assessment -- Who should give policy guidance for the national assessment? -- Who should carry out the national assessment? -- Who will administer the tests and questionnaires? -- What population will be assessed? -- Will a whole population or sample be assessed? -- What will be assessed? -- How will achievement be assessed? -- How frequently will assessments be carried out? -- How should student achievement be reported? -- What kinds of statistical analysis should be carried out? -- How should the results of a national assessment be communicated and used? -- What are the cost components of a national assessment? -- Summary of decisions -- Issues in the design, implementation, analysis, and -- Reporting of a national assessment -- Design -- Implementation -- Analysis -- Report writing -- Dissemination and use of findings -- International assessments of student achievement -- Growth in international assessment activity -- Advantages of international assessments -- Problems with international assessments -- Conclusion.