Critical Issues That Will Determine the Future of Alternative Assessment

Describes how alternative assessment differs from more traditional forms and outlines the forces causing the recent fascination with alternative assessment (demands for accountability, negative consequences of high-stakes testing, and increasing criticisms of standardized tests). Identifies some major issues involving alternative assessment, including conceptual clarity, educator support, validity, ability to assess complex thinking skills, and acceptability to stakeholders. (37 references) (MLH)