For the past 8 years, Research for Better Schools, Inc. (RBS) has prepared an analysis of state-wide trends in student achievement in the mid-Atlantic states (i.e., Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania). For this year, instead of quantitatively examining trends in student achievement scores, RBS decided to examine current and planned assessment programs in the five jurisdictions it serves from a programmatic perspective. The report summarizes current or planned efforts in the region, with sections describing activities in each of the five jurisdictions. Review of practices, policies, and plans for the area identifies major questions concerning testing. First concerns the purpose of state-mandated programs, second is the issue of test content, and third is the question of test technology or testing methodology. All of these questions must be addressed to ensure the appropriate use of testing in the region. (Contains 15 references.) (SLD)