This manual sets forth comprehension guidelines and procedures for selecting instruments to measure educational growth, achievement, and outcomes. The necessary criteria are presented in a checklist format, permitting local district personnel to evaluate the worth of testing instruments before adoption. A subset of the criteria are defined as "Essential" characteristics, that is, those absolutely necessary for a test to be considered acceptable. The criteria are divided as follows: (1) standards for Manuals, Tests, and Reports; (2) Standards for Validity; (3) Standards for Reliability; and (4) Standards for the Use of Tests. The manual also includes definitions of terms used in conjunction with testing, and of the types of tests (norm referenced, criterion referenced, objective referenced, and domain referenced). (Author/GK)