Four major types of approaches to learner assessment are standardized testing, materials-based, competency-based, and participatory assessment. Standardized tests are easy and inexpensive to administer. Objections are their intrinsic defects and misuse. Materials-based assessment, the practice of evaluating learners on the basis of tests following the completion of particular curriculum materials, creates a closed system. Because competency-based assessment recognizes the importance of prior learning and rewards what individuals can already do, it is more compatible for use with adults. A criticism is that it is still a test given under classroom conditions. Participatory assessment has these features: a view of literacy as practices and critical reflection, the use of a broad range of assessment strategies, and an active role for learners in the assessment process. A criticism is that alternate forms of assessment lead to less demanding levels of achievement. Guidelines for selecting assessment instruments and procedures include: purpose of the assessment; appropriateness of the instrument; reliability, validity, and practicality of the instrument; and congruence between instrument/approach and instruction. (Five references are listed.) (YLB)