Over the last five years, the U.S. Department of Education (USED) is requiring states to provide more and better evidence supporting the quality and validity of their assessment and accountability systems. Notably, states are asked to explain more fully how the proposed design of their systems will provide accurate and reliable information that improves student outcomes. This brief discusses the characteristics and features of a coherent system, outlining ten recommendations to support those charged with developing, evaluating, or modifying state plans under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), Perkins V, and the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) .