Overview of Testing and AssessmentAssessment is defined as “an exercise, such as a written test, portfolio, or experiment, that seeks to measure the skills or knowledge of a student in a given field” (edweek.com). Today we rely primarily on multiple-choice exams, or easy-to-score tests in a very generalized way. The focus is primarily on math and reading, and requires memorizing an assortment of different facts. Alternatives to these testing standards are often called alternative assessments. Alternative assessment is defined as “any form of measurement of what students know and can do, other than traditional standardized tests.” Alternative forms of assessment include portfolios, performance-based assessments, and other means of testing students. Performance-based assessment “requires students to complete practical tasks, such as writing an essay or conducting a science experiment. Such assessments are increasingly common as alternatives to auto-scored multiple-choice tests. Also known as authentic assessment. This seems to be an incredibly promising form of assessing an individual student, but it remains less used because it is more involved. A portfolio is "a systematic, organized collection of a student's work throughout a course or school year." It measures the student's knowledge and skills and often includes some form of self-reflection on the part of the student. This is also used in many situations, but again, based on personal experience in many schools, portfolios seem to have little influence on tracking student academic achievement. Measuring a student’s performance should be a completely holistic and intensive effort. This may require a lot of work on the part of the teacher, and the qualifications would... middle of article ...... published November 25, 2004, at http://www.newhorizons.org/ strategies/assess /front_assess.htmThis website allowed for in-depth research into alternative options to assessment.Newspaper or magazine articlesBaltimore Sun Staff. (November 23, 2004). Balto. "Co. County schools honored for state test scores". The Baltimore Sun. This article explains how eighty-six Baltimore County schools were honored for their improved performance on assessments conducted to meet the requirements of the No Child Left Behind Act. Bowie, L., Bowler, M. (2004, September 2004). 15). Public high schools see strong gains on assessment tests. The Baltimore Sun. This article explains how end-of-year test scores in English, biology, algebra, and government have improved significantly for many students in various districts across Maryland. It also gives some details about the NCLB law..