At the direction of the Floria State legislature, a study was done of outcomes assessment in Florida's higher education institutions. A committee formed to conduct the study met on nine occasions to review background information, receive public testimony, and discuss draft materials. The committee received information from public and private postsecondary institutions, the Board of Regents, the State Board of Community Colleges, legislative staff, the Office of the Governor, the Office of the Auditor General, a nationally recognized expert on postsecondary education assessment, and Florida's business and industry sector. The committee concluded that fundamental, systemic issues associated with the structure, financing, management, and productivity of higher education in Florida should be addressed in the next master plan for postsecondary education. In particular, the issue of assuring higher productivity and more effective use of available resources requires attention. Among other major findings were that Florida has no comprehensive assessment policy at the state level and that on-going assessment has not been done at most colleges and universities. The committee also formulated six recommendations for Florida higher education assessment. Included are reproductions of the state statutes, and a table showing comparison of effectiveness components and accountability legislation. (21 references) (JB)