This collection of sample assessment items contains items compiled from many sources, including state and provincial assessments, sorted into the strands of number and operations, algebra, geometry, measurement and data analysis and probability. Because students are assessed on standardised tests with multiple-choice items, the writing team chose samples of such items as well as explanations for those problems designed to give students opportunities to demonstrate their skills and understanding. Teacher notes to suggest ideas for making multiple-choice items more meaningful and a variety of rubrics, are also included.

In addition, the professional development chapter is designed to help in-service and preservice teachers understand and use levels of complexity for particular problems, use and adapt multiple-choice items, use assessment tasks as an in-service topic, employ scoring rubrics, use technology in assessment and design their own assessment items.