The perspectives in these essays present an examination of the Kentucky educational reform effort, with an examination of its rationale, various facets, and the reactions to its implementation. The ambitious assessment system includes multiple-choice and open-ended items, performance tasks, and portfolio assessments. The following are included: (1) "Development of the Kentucky Instructional Results Information System (KIRIS)" (Edward Kifer); (2) "Impact on Curriculum and Educational Reform" (Peter Winograd and Karen Schuster Webb); (3) "Ensuring Educational Accountability" (C. Scott Trimble); (4) "A School District's Perspective" (Ben R. Oldham); and (5) "Theoretical and Practical Implications" (Edward H. Haertel). Three appendixes discuss assessment and accountability legislation and contain an accountability worksheet and index baseline summary. (Contains 26 references.) (SLD)