This study examines performance and authentic assessments related to job and academic skills. It begins with a general historical perspective that discusses the evolution of assessment systems used by education and industry in the United States, Germany, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Japan. The influence of federal policy also is discussed, and lessons from other countries are included. Finally, an in-depth report on authentic assessment and performance assessment today provides a view of trends in assessment, research results, and potential elements of assessment for consideration by states, the federal government, industry, and business for evaluation of both entry-level and advanced placement of workers. (Contains 78 references.) (KC)