This handbook aims to help parents become more familiar with the testing that goes on in their community schools. The first two chapters provide general background on testing, giving the reason and scope of educational testing today, and highlighting the fundamentals of the testing-measurement process. Chapters 3 and 4 consider the various pitfalls to be avoided: common misconceptions about tests and scores; and matters prominent in current discussions, such as test bias and teacher accountability. In the last chapter, a series of questions are raised that parents typically ask of teachers and administrators. Included are four appendices: Appendix A is a tabular summarization of state activity in minimum competency testing during 1972 through 1978; Appendix B is a glossary of terms (these terms are followed by an asterisk in the text itself) specific to the educational testing field; Appendix C lists selected readings concerning testing, and Appendix D reproduces Public Interest Principles for the Design and Use of Admissions Testing Programs. Also included is a list of available publications of the National Committee for Citizens in Education. (Author/GK)