The Illinois State Board of Education's Advisory Policy on Evaluation and Assessment encourages districts to develop and implement total student assessment and program evaluation policies. The Board suggests that these policies include provisions for (1) a process for curriculum review; (2) a range of local standards for achievement in mathematics, reading, and other areas; (3) assessment at one secondary and two elementary levels, or more; (4) multiple indicators for student assessment; (5) the use of data for defining student programs; and (6) regular reports to the local community on the development, implementation, and results of the assessment program. Various approaches that are working for students and staff in six widely varied local districts are presented in this document. The processing, continually being refined to adapt to ongoing district goals, emphasize optimal student achievement, active curriculum development, and continual program monitoring. Teachers are deeply involved in all aspects of the process. In most cases the building principal is the key leader, linking the use of the process at the school level with interpretation of program results to parents, the community, and school district administrators and board members. Policies described are from Illinois' Belleville, Decatur, Evanston, Urbana, Wheaton, and Wheeling districts. (Author/PGD)