State leaders are deeply committed to providing information to parents, educators, and the public about student performance to help target resources and supports quickly and effectively. Some state leaders have examined the context in their respective states and determined that taking a different approach to assessment for the spring of 2021 would allow them to better meet the needs of students in their states beyond the three options listed in the U.S. Department of Education's (ED) February 2021 letter to state chiefs. This guidance is designed to support state leaders in pursuing such strategies given the unique circumstances this year. While it not expected state leaders to provide an answer to every question below; this document is intended to be used as a guide to prepare a flexibility request to ED.