Shortcomings in the current student assessment program in Georgia are identified, proposed revisions are described, and additional changes are recommended. Georgia educators have complained that curricula place too much emphasis on basic skills, to the detriment of subjects like science and social studies. Reform legislation in Georgia has increased the stakes in testing, putting teachers and administrators under great pressure to demonstrate high student scores. The Georgia Assessment Program will be changed to give fewer, but more difficult, tests; to test four grades instead of nine; and to measure science, social studies, health, and writing in addition to reading and mathematics. Advanced problem-solving tasks will be measured along with fundamental tasks. The largest problem with the assessment program is its use as a method to hold local educators accountable, a circumstance that can result in teaching to the test. If student assessment in Georgia is to improve, state leadership must encourage the development of authentic assessments to use along with standardized measures. Professional development is also needed to increase teachers' understanding of measurement techniques. Both educators and citizens need to understand more effective ways to evaluate student performance in Georgia schools. A 10-item list of references is included. (SLD)