The Australian Studies in Student Performance project was a response by the Australian Education Council to community concern about Australian education standards. It was intended that the results of an empirical study in literacy and numeracy would make a useful contribution to the continuing debate about student achievement. Thus, a study was designed to allow statements to be made about student performance throughout Australia in 1980 on tasks in reading, writing, and numeration. Also, comparisons would be provided between 1975 and 1980 student performance. A rationale for the tests administered is given, as is a description of test development; information on the sampling design is provided, and the samples are described; and the administration of the testing program and preparation of data analysis are described. (Author/GK)