"For too many graduates, the American high school diploma signifies only a broken promise," the groups, which favor standardized testing to improve education, say.

Hardly a single public health official at the conference favored mandatory testing.

But the board's acting chairman, James Kolstad, favors random testing.

He favored standardized testing of school teachers to remove the incompetent.

Those who said they favored mandatory testing for some professions most often singled out health and food service workers.

Some subway workers said they favored expanded testing.

Even those players who favor stiffer testing say confidentiality is of paramount importance.

Mr. Dukakis favors more limited testing, including prisoners and military personnel.

Some state health officials believe money would be better spent on preventive education, but others favor wider testing.

Fifty-seven percent of the chief executives said they do not favor random testing.