Focusing on formal testing programs involving academic achievement, the assessment of student performance in 28 large city school districts is described. In addition to presenting how districts have designed testing programs to meet the variety in the students they serve, this report also discussed test management, work with test publishers, test security, and data storage. The contents include: (1) standardized tests in use; (2) purposes of testing; (3) grade levels and skills tested; (4) selection of tests; (5) technical specifications; (6) administration of test; (7) management of test data; (8) results of testing; (9) court action on testing; (10) costs of testing; and (11) a description of each district's testing program. (PN)