Curriculum alignment (CA) refers to the congruence of all the elements of a school's curriculum: curriculum goals; instructional program--what is taught and the materials used; and tests used to judge outcomes. CA can be a very powerful can be a very powerful factor in improving schools. Although further research is needed on CA, there is considerable literature on the link between tests and the curriculum. Effective schools research also supports CA, emphasizing the link between curriculum and instruction. The functional organization of the school is also an important factor because schools would benefit from a coordinated approach to setting goals, curriculum development, and testing, rather than have these factors addressed as three separate elements. It is important, within the current emphasis on improving teaching, to give sufficient consideration to what is being taught and why. Some programs have been developed to help achieve the process of CA: (1) the Educational Products and Informational Exchange's Integrated Instructional Information Resource Program; (2) Southwest Regional Educational Laboratory's Instructional Accomplishment Information System; (3) Michigan's state reading test redevelopment; and (4) the staff development program in Inkster, Michigan. A list of questions is included which may be used to audit objectives, instruction, and tests. (GDC)