This updated guide has been designed to offer practical advice to teachers as they take a closer look at learning in Scottish primary schools and the lower stages of secondary schools where the teachers are implementing a curriculum based on the 5-14 Guidelines. The guide describes three main sources of assessment information: information from day-to-day activities carried out by teachers as part of teaching; information from special tasks and tests used by teachers for specific purposes; and information obtained from taking a closer look at what pupils are learning, and the ways in which they are learning, to identify appropriate next steps. The first part of the guide introduces key ideas in diagnostic assessment. Parts 2 and 3 of the guide concern Reading and Writing. Chapter 2 (Taking a Closer Look at Learning to Read) looks at the teaching and assessment of reading in terms of the purpose for which that reading is undertaken. Chapter 3 (Diagnostic Procedures in Reading) considers what is involved in taking a closer look at pupils' reading. Chapter 4 (Promoting Success in Reading) suggests ways in which diagnostic procedures may be put into practice. Chapter 5 (Areas for Exploration) presents strategies which teachers can use to promote successful reading. Chapter 6 (Examples of Diagnostic Procedures) provides examples of the use of diagnostic procedures by teachers in a variety of aspects of classroom teaching. Chapter 7 (Taking a Closer Look at Learning to Write) highlights the ideas which underline the teaching and assessment of writing. Chapter 8 (Diagnostic Procedures in Writing) is concerned with what is involved in taking a closer look at pupils' writing and suggests ways in which evidence can be gathered and acted upon. Chapter 9 (Areas for Exploration) presents strategies which teachers can use to promote successful writing. (NKA)