This report describes the purposes of benchmark assessments and provides recommendations for selecting and using benchmark assessments--addressing validity, alignment, reliability, fairness and bias and accessibility, instructional sensitivity, utility, and reporting issues. We also present recommendations on building capacity to support schools' and districts' use of benchmark assessments for improved learning. Multiple Choice Item-writing Guidelines are appended. (Contains 1 figure, 2 tables and 6 footnotes.) [For the "Benchmark Assessment for Improved Learning. An AACC Policy Brief", see ED524108.]