This paper outlines current trends, progress, and possibilities for fostering more authentic ways to assess students' competencies and mastery of skills needed for college, work, and civic life in the 21st century. It provides an introduction to performance assessments and their value. The authors highlight efforts to develop such assessments in…

The report on which this brief is based describes performance assessments and their value for guiding and evaluating high school students' learning, as well as informing colleges and universities about what students know and can do. It explores state and local policies that support the use of such assessments, along with emerging higher education…

The admissions and selection process of the Washington State College of Veterinary Medicine, which provides cooperative education, services and research to Washington, Idaho, and Oregon. Screening committees are used in each state to evaluate individual applicants. Their procedures and problems are discussed. (LBH)