A survey was conducted to ascertain the amount and type of external testing (defined as any test introduced from outside the classroom) of English/language arts being administered throughout the province of British Columbia (Canada) during the 1985-1986 school year. Teachers and administrators were also given the opportunity to comment on the testing programs. Respondents, representing 961 schools and colleges (out of 1567 in the survey--a 61.3% return rate) as well as local teachers' associations, completed a questionnaire on testing. Results indicated a wide variety in the use of tests. A considerable proportion of schools (9.1%) indicated an avoidance of all externally imposed tests, while a similar percentage (9.8%) reported using only the tests mandated by the Ministry of Education. The remainder was divided between tests imposed by either the local district or school administrators. Results did not reveal the content tested in the locally developed tests. Findings also showed the widespread use of standardized tests, such as the Canadian Test of Basic Skills (a Canadian adaptation of the Iowa Tests of Basic Skills) or the Gates-MacGinitie Reading Test. (References, tables of data, and a sample questionnaire are attached.) (NKA)