This article explores how a Midwestern Christian university's doctoral program aligns an authentic assessment process of evaluation, in lieu of comprehensive exams, with the university's tag line to "Shape Lives that Shape the World." The process of assessing "authentically" comes from the belief that evaluating students on…

Instead of being devices for measuring what students have learned, tests should be instructional--the central vehicle for clarifying and setting intellectual standards. To regain control over testing and instruction, schools need to rethink their diploma requirements and grading systems. Then school transcripts will become trustworthy again.…

The current standards movement cannot succeed unless a school's culture is committed to helping all students achieve excellence. Principals must build a schoolwide culture of quality focused on learning projects. Teachers should design projects backwards, using standards and assessment rubrics based on actual student products and performances.…