The lack of coherence among the different levels of assessment within the system often leaves teachers, schools, and districts torn between mandated external testing policies and the responsibilities of teachers to use assessment in the service of learning. (Classroom Assessment and the National Science Standards, 2001) In this session, a range of successful design, alignment, and implementation strategies (sampling-representation, use of multiple indicators, professional development, etc.) related to local assessments were shared, including impact on classroom instruction from teachers’ perspectives.