This Resource Notebook is designed to help New Jersey school districts implement the state's Public School Education Act of 1975 which mandates a thorough and efficient (T & E) system of free public schools. The notebook is divided into three parts. Part I, the user's guide, discusses the purpose of data-based decision making, specifically what information is needed and who is involved. Part II focuses on five of the six steps of the T & E continuing assessment-planning-evaluation cycle. These five steps and their related chapters are (1) goal setting; (2) setting objectives and standards; (3) needs assessment; (4) program improvement/program selection; and (5) program evaluation. Part III, appendices, consists of selected references for assessment and evaluation. In appendix A, separate matrices match 243 measurement instruments to the 12 New Jersey Educational Outcome Goals and to variables of test administration and scoring. Informative non-evaluative descriptions of 175 tests that are relevant to one or more of the goals are also included. Appendix B contains statistical and sampling guidelines. Appendix C is a bibliography on test review sources and on educational measurement and evaluation. Concluding the notebook is a glossary and a directory of state and national sources of information and assistance in assessment and evaluation. (CP)