In chapter 1, Thomas Romberg and Linda Wilson raise a set of issues that they believe need to be addressed in order to build an assessment system for school mathematics. Susanne Lajoie presents in chapter 2 the argument about the need for authentic forms of assessment. In chapter 3, Edward Silver and Patricia Kenney focus on the importance of assessment information for making instructional decisions. Jan de Lange illustrates in chapter 4 a variety of authentic tasks used in The Netherlands to assess different levels of mathematical performance. In chapter 5, Robert Stake constructs a broad argument on the reasons why standardized testing is invalid in the current context of reform. Mark Wilson, in chapter 6, presents an alternative psychometric approach to mathematics assessment. Finally, in chapter 7, Elizabeth Graue reflects on the six previous chapters and points toward the need to extend the discussions and broaden our view of possibilities that need to be considered. A number of people and organizations are responsible for making the publication of this book possible. The writing of individual chapters and the editing and preparation of the book were supported by the Office of Educational Research and Improvement of the U.S. Department of Education through the support of the National Center for Research in Mathematical Sciences Education. The Wisconsin Center for Education Research provided the ancillary services so necessary for this type of project. Andrew Porter, the director of the Wisconsin Center, and Jerry Grossman, business manager of the center, are thanked for their continued support. Joan Pedro is thanked for attending to many of the administrative details involved in its publication. Debra Torgerson is thanked for her work in typingand retyping manuscripts. Finally, special thanks go to Margaret Powell for the careful editing that contributed immeasurably to the clarity and quality of the writing of this book.