Student learning is the bottom line for nearly all efforts to establish a national test system. Major efforts in this area are summarized in this paper. The various efforts seem to move ahead independently, but some common ideas include: (1) creating a national assessment system rather than a single test; (2) developing more than multiple-choice tests, especially performance based assessments; (3) devising subject matter standards for assessment development; (4) increasing understanding of commonalities and differences among subject matter areas; (5) clarifying the consequences of use of national assessments; and (6) investigating the impact of national assessment efforts on fundamental teaching and learning. Two attachments are included. Attachment A describes current alternatives being discussed to measure student learning on a national basis. Choices include the National Assessment of Educational Progress and other state and national alternatives. Attachment B contains a chart with further details on these alternatives. The addresses of 14 contact persons and their organizations are listed. (SLD)