A review of the recent literature has yielded a number of concerns about the validity, reliability, cost, efficiency, generalizability, utility, and cultural sensitivity of performance based assessments. The resulting conclusion was that continuing the performance based assessment initiative should be rethought. Suggested alternatives included understanding the mistaken rationale for abandoning multiple-choice testing, continuing the use of reformed multiple-choice tests, adopting a multiple measures approach to assessment, and recognizing the limits of testing in accountability and educational reform. (Contains 51 references.) (Author)