Student assessment, from the classroom to the state and national levels, is changing. The era of norm-referenced, multiple choice, standardized tests may be coming to an end, to be replaced by other forms of assessment, not all equally good. This guide outlines a vision of what assessment in the service of learning can be and provides ideas, examples, and resources for implementing that vision. The broad term performance assessment includes a number of techniques that provide instructionally useful information by evaluating students on whether they understand and can use knowledge, not just recognize and repeat it. Topics addressed include: (1) classroom assessment; (2) classroom evaluation and scoring; (3) validity in classroom assessment and evaluation; (4) school-level assessment and evaluation; (5) accountability; and (6) organizing for change. Eleven resource organizations are listed. (Contains 78 references.) (SLD)