In the 2000 movie "The Perfect Storm," there is an unusual convergence of several critical weather factors that set the stage for a destructive outcome that takes both property and lives. It has become a popular metaphor to describe how events come together in a unique way to have an exceptional influence on something, typically a negative impact. In this article, the author wants to focus on a different kind of perfect storm, one which is bringing several factors together that will create what he believes will be a destructive force for student learning. His contention is that there are three powerful influences that are coming together that will shape public education in the future--policy and politics, research, and assessment. The author reviews each of these three factors, with a discussion of why they are detrimental, then lists a few things educational researchers and assessment experts can do to mitigate the negative effects. (Contains 2 figures.)