This article presents views of proponents and opponents to standardized tests, isolates the major weakness of testing--questionable validity--and offers several recommendations for the betterment of test development and use. Some major misuses of tests include the following: (a) tests are at times administered with no clear purpose; (b) test results alone are used to judge program success; (c) specific test results are generalized to cover all course goals; (d) test results are released without accompanying interpretations; and (e) test results tend to label students inflexibly. Critics find reading tests misleading and culturally biased. Proponents, following the accountability concept, see a need for testing to measure how well educators are doing their jobs. One solution proposed to improve validity is the adoption of criterion-referenced tests. Recommendations are also included for improving test practices and policies. (JCW)