An unprecedented confluence of factors—economic, political, and educational—is causing many states to rethink their student-assessment programs. But careful thought and expert guidance will be needed if they are to avoid the problems of the past and take advantage of promising new developments.

This next-generation model will include differentiated roles for assessment at the federal, state, and school levels; the use of multiple measures; and assessments that support accountability programs focused on both growth and current status.

The next-generation model also will be likely to take greater advantage of technology, and will benefit from U.S. Department of Education initiatives and dollars, represented by the Obama administration’s Race to the Top Fund and other grant programs.

This article presents an overview of key concepts states should consider as they move forward.