Analytic rubrics are promoted as important tools to assess learner performance and to improve learning outcomes. Rubrics, however, are not appropriate for every classroom assessment, particularly given the time and effort required to construct well-designed rubrics. In classroom assessment, instructors must balance the beneficial consequences of the assessment with the practicality to construct and implement the assessment in a timely manner. Informed by theory and empirical studies, this article reviews various assessment tools and practices that benefit learning. After a critique of analytic rubrics, it describes the strengths and weaknesses of three more practical tools for classroom assessment: checklists, scaled checklists, and detailed grading lists. Since the use of a more practical assessment tool might risk lowering the beneficial consequences of the assessment, the article then reviews three strategies which have been found to boost learning outcomes: discussing exemplars, providing effective feedback, and encouraging reflection. These assessment practices can be used in combination and with any assessment tool. The final section compares the tools for classroom assessment and summarizes how beneficial assessment practice can supplement the assessment tool, resulting in a balanced classroom assessment.