This report describes how states can overhaul their assessment systems under the Innovative Assessment pilot program in the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA).  It shows policymakers how to:

• develop assessment systems that minimize standardized testing;
• enhance classroom-based, teacher-controlled, student-focused assessing;
• diminish state and federal micro-control of education;
• provide tools to markedly improve learning outcomes; and
• generate sufficient data for evaluating schools in order to provide support and interventions where needed.

This report begins by describing the core components of a model assessment system that meets the requirements of ESSA. It then reports on New Hampshire’s Performance Assessment for Competency Education (PACE) project. Part III profiles other examples of high-quality performance assessments. The report concludes with a set of principles for assessment systems.

Report Contents: 

Full Report

Preface and Executive Summary 

Part I: A Model Assessment System for High-Quality Learning

Part II: New Hampshire PACE

Part III: Performance Assessment Examples