To explain discrepancies in Utah's elementary school test results under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act's Title I Evaluation and Reporting System (TIERS), researchers investigated the adequacy and validity of TIERS evaluation models. Model A (norm-referenced testing) is used in most Utah school districts, in preference to Models B or C (both involving comparisons with control groups). The researchers reviewed previous research and conducted four projects that (1) compared test results under Models A and B, (2) assessed how well Utah's tests met Model A's assumptions, (3) analyzed the effects of test formats, and (4) examined the impact of training students and teachers in test taking and administering. Using tests, interviews, and observation, the projects analyzed test scores, educators' attitudes, and students' and teachers' test behaviors in several school districts, especially the Salt Lake City School District. The results indicate that (1) Model A overestimates Title I's impact, (2) most of Model A's assumptions are met, (3) test format heavily affects test results, and (4) training students and teachers to take and give tests improves scores. Ten appendices reproduce cover letters and data collection forms. (RW)