Using a jargon free, reader friendly conversational style and flexible format, the new edition continues to equip teachers in training with practical assessment strategies for today's challenges in measuring student progress. This revision includes practical, balanced, and integrated coverage of the many implications of the important and controversial No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act. It thoughtfully applies traditional and innovative (e.g., performance and portfolio) assessment practices to help teachers prepare themselves and their students for optimal performance on high stakes (and high pressure!) tests. The text also helps teachers contribute to valid, day to day assessment of student progress and develop valid alternative assessments and accommodations appropriate for special education students now included in regular classrooms. Also includes PRAXIS test preparation scenarios and questions that address the use of objective and essay test items to measure higher order thinking, and the creative and motivational use of performance and portfolio assessments. The text website offers streaming video of the Joint Committee of Testing Practices' The ABCs of School Testing.