The realities of inappropriate and sometimes unethical testing practices must be confronted to make sure that current assessments are as reliable and effective as possible. While this paper does not attempt to provide practical guidelines for ethical and appropriate testing, it does draw a picture of appropriate and ethical testing practices. All persons involved in testing programs should try to maintain their focus on the fundamental reasons for testing which is the education of the students being assessed. It is vital that the selected test be appropriate for specific purposes and intended populations, and that all intended and possible unintended uses be considered. Because preparing students to take the test is the source of many problems with assessment, a continuum of appropriate test preparation practices is suggested. Issues that must be considered in administering the test are reviewed, from disclosure through improper use and interpretation and test bias. (Contains 27 references.) (SLD)