This guide addresses various aspects of authentic assessment as it is used in vocational education. The guide contains five chapters, each written by different authors. Following an overview and definitions of terms by Rodney L. Custer, John W. Schell discusses the theoretical foundations of authentic assessment, reviewing psychological, cognitive, and sociological views of learning. The chapter provides an extended example of an authentic assessment practice that connects authentic teaching, learning, and assessment with learning theory. In Chapter 3, Brian McAlister's literature review explores the questions of the inherent value of authentic assessment and its effectiveness in promoting learning. The chapter presents the claims made on behalf of authentic assessment and the research evidence related to those claims. In Chapter 4, John Scott details authentic assessment strategies and tools, including those that students can use to assess their own learning. In the concluding chapter, Marie Hoepfl discusses federal and state initiatives for using authentic assessment, presenting the issues, obstacles, and challenges surrounding its use on a large scale. (Contains 106 references.) (KC)