Presenting both traditional and innovative assessment methods integral to science teaching and learning, this book shows teachers the connection between effective science assessment and improved student learning. The text uses a competence-based approach consistent with the National Science Education Standards to help teachers master assessment skills, apply them to science classroom instruction, and evaluate their impact on student learning. Key features and benefits of this book are: (1) Provides practical examples from both elementary and secondary science classrooms to demonstrate how to design a wide variety of traditional and innovative assessment methods; (2) Presents case scenarios in each chapter that help teachers reflect on the assessment issues they will encounter in their own classrooms; and (3) Includes end-of-chapter checklists and practice questions that allow readers to check their mastery of assessment skills before moving on, as well as annotated bibliographies that direct them to additional readings on topics of interest. Contents of this book include: (1) Assessment for Learning and Teaching; (2) Assessment of Preconceptions; (3) Summative Assessment; (4) Assessment of Science Inquiry; (5) Standardized Tests; (6) Assessment of Ongoing Learning; (7) Grading Science Achievement; and (8) Using Data to Improve Assessment and Instruction. A preface and a glossary are also included.