Good assessments help measure both student understanding and the knowledge they've gained in the classroom. But with the pressures of accountability, has testing become too narrowly focused? Research is pointing the way to more effective testing methods so that students, teachers, and administrators get a more nuanced perspective on student learning.

This issue of ASCD Express examines a program that combines standardized and formative testing, a multiple intelligences assessment, and informal assessment practices, all of which can help educators better understand and meet the learning needs of each student.

The November issue of Educational Leadership features "The Many Meanings of 'Multiple Measures'," an overview; "The Big Tests: What Ends Do They Serve?" a critique of large-scale assessments; and "Feed Up, Back, Forward" (PDF), an explanation of thorough feedback.