Criterion-referenced systems are founded on the belief that instruction should be based on the needs of individual pupils. If pupils' needs are to guide instruction, the system must identify the skills pupils need to learn and the sequence for their introduction. Additionally, there must be a way to identify the skills a pupil needs and those he…

The Ontario Ministry of Education conducted case studies of the testing programs in nine selected school districts. Results are presented in narrative form on the major study questions: testing program development and organization, the tests administered, uses of test results, and perceived role of the ministry in evaluation programs. (SJL)

This paper describes and reports results of a program aimed at improving performance of all students, K-12, through a program of sequenced objectives monitored with criterion-referenced tests. Target curriculum areas were mathematics, reading, and language skills. Nationally normed achievement tests were administered in a base year and each year…