Respondents to a 1982-83 survey of assessment practices in California's community colleges identified Sacramento City College (SCC), Fullerton College (FC), Sierra College (SC), and Victor Valley College (VVC) as having the most effective assessment/placement programs in the state. Interviews conducted on-site with at least three staff members involved in program administration, operation, or design at each campus gathered information on program development and testing policies; registration and assessment procedures; reactions to the program from counselors, students, and faculty; components leading to statewide recognition; and future directions. The interviews revealed that, although there were many differences among the institutions and among their programs, there were a number of similarities, including the following: (1) all of the colleges assessed a high percentage of entering students; (2) all relied heavily upon the computer, using it to provide a prescriptive printout for students within hours of assessment; (3) all but VVC required specific scores for entering English and language arts courses; (4) all but SC used a standardized assessment instrument; (5) administrative leadership and faculty involvement were important in all colleges; and (6) all schools but SC operated a testing office with opportunity for ongoing assessment. The study report includes profiles of each school's assessment program, summary findings, and appendices showing innovations. (HB)