In winter 1982-83, a survey of California's community colleges was conducted to determine which assessment activities were considered most effective and to identify areas needing improvement. Responses were received from 99 of the 106 colleges in the system. Study findings included the following: (1) assessment procedures, counseling procedures, placement procedures, and research were felt to represent the best aspects of college entrance programs; (2) the quality of service to students, interaction between students and staff, and professional interaction were also highlighted as program strengths; (3) when asked to identify the most needed changes in assessment practices at their own colleges, the majority of the respondents focused on areas related to technical needs, expansion needs, the need for increased control over assessment and placement, and questions of testing philosophy; (4) respondents tended to have reservations about the testing instruments used and the lack of organized research to validate their programs; and (5) respondents recognized the need to evaluate cut-off scores used, to conduct follow-up and retention studies, and to analyze services to high-risk students. The study report includes sample respondent comments. (LAL)