In March 1992, Wisconsin Act 269 established an educational goals-setting process, funding for the development of a comprehensive student-assessment system, and an advisory committee to make recommendations. The committee established three learner goals to be the focus of the mandated statewide assessment. Students will build a substantial knowledge base, develop thinking and communication processes, and apply knowledge and processes. Seventeen more specific learner outcomes were also established to bridge the gap between educational goals, academic content, and student assessment. In March 1993, the State Educational Goals Committee established three categories of goals: learner, institutional support, and societal support. These goals were tied to assessment to improve student learning and were grounded on the belief that all students can learn. Indicators limited response performance, and portfolios provide the comprehensive information required to assess students' abilities. Some sample educational tasks that reflect the learner outcomes are included. A questions-and-answers section and the text of the Wisconsin learner, institutional support, and societal support goals are included. (JPT)