Unstated reasons for the trend toward alternative assessment include mismatch between teachers' student-centered orientation and depersonalization of traditional testing; teachers' desire to exercise professional judgment; and the feeling that traditional tests are redundant and do not reflect the entirety of classroom learning. (SK)

Responds to critiques of an earlier article on the unintended consequences of high-stakes testing. Reiterates the need to look for positive as well as negative consequences of high stakes testing and calls for balance between the role of large-scale assessment in identifying achievement deficits and the responsibility educational systems have to…