An authoritative reference on one of education's hottest topics, describing how the latest testing and assessment tools can be used to help improve student performance. In this comprehensive review of the wealth of techniques by which students can be assessed, Valerie J. Janesick points out that the politics of schooling often gets in the way of student progress. "High-stakes" standardized testing is frequently based on poorly constructed, unfair tests that encourage "teaching to the test," which actually impedes educational goals. Authentic testing relies more on essays and writing samples, performances, demonstrations, and role-plays. Although it is fairer and provides a measure of student growth and progress, it requires more effort by teachers, who also require extra training. Besides discussing authentic assessment in detail, The Assessment Debate includes a chronology, an annotated directory of organizations supporting performance assessment, a list of state coordinators for testing reform, and state-by-state report cards.