This manual, which is designed for home economics teachers who are interested in using alternative forms of student assessment, shares current thinking, research, and practices regarding the use of alternative forms of assessment in family and consumer sciences occupational programs. The manual is divided into three parts. Part 1, which is devoted to the concept of assessment, presents information and teacher activities on the following topics: definition of assessment; assessment-related terms; differences between conventional and authentic assessment; qualities of effective assessment; and purposes of assessment. Discussed in part 2 are the following assessment process activities: connecting learning and assessment; reporting and using results; and managing alternative assessment. Part 3, which constitutes approximately 75% of the manual, begins with an overview of alternative assessment approaches and contains handouts and instruments for use in designing/conducting the following types of alternative assessment: testing; product/project assessment; performance assessment; process skills assessment; conferences and interviews; decision-making matrices; graphic organizers; class/group discussion; journals and learning logs; observations; portfolios; questioning; rubrics; and scoring sheets. A wide variety of assessment tools is provided, including samples, templates, checklists, sample forms and letters, and tip sheets. Contains 28 references. (MN)