Alternative approaches to the assessment of language minority students are considered. A comprehensive assessment of the limited English proficient (LEP) student is said to cover the following components: cognitive development, learning proficiency or rate of learning techniques, social adaptation, language assessment (expression, reception, discrimination), special vocabulary and glossary of terminology, and the role of cultural differences. Continued assessment of LEP students with exceptional needs is emphasized, with equal attention to psychometric and edumetric (programing-related) assessment. Among assessment recommendations made are for prereferral screening, more recruitment of bilingual or ethnically appropriate bilingual personnel, and use of multiple instruments. Alternative practices include the test-teach-reteach approach and the use of Piagetian cognitive development tasks during which students are observed in problem solving situations. (CL)