The approach to assessment taken by the Colorado Springs (Colorado) Public Schools is outlined. Colorado Springs has taken a position similar to that advocated by the National Council on Educational Standards, that of multiple means of assessment applied in a dynamic and responsive manner. This approach in Colorado Springs is called Purpose Driven Assessment (PDA). Its primary component is an analytical framework based on an analysis of purpose patterned after R. Stiggins and N. Bridgeford (1987) and P. Airaisian (1984). The following three basic types of assessment are examined in relation to this model: (1) norm referenced testing; (2) goal referenced testing (criterion referenced); and (3) performance based assessment. Goal referenced testing in the Colorado Springs district is represented by a series of overlapping levels of tests, the District 11 Achievement Levels Tests (DALT), now used in grades 3 through 9. Performance based assessments are being developed, beginning with direct writing assessment, portfolio assessment, and curriculum-based measurement. Norm referenced testing in the Colorado Springs district is used to meet state testing requirements. Full implementation of the PDA model will require at least another 3 years, but the Colorado Springs school district is well on the road to matching assessment with its purposes. Four tables and two figures are included. There is a 10-item list of references. (SLD)