This book describes a Connecticut school district's approach to teaching and learning that balances basic instruction with performance-based learning and assessment, using tools such as performance tasks, benchmarks, assessment lists, rubrics, and portfolios. Both literal understanding and application are important: Tasks are engaging and are well connected to the content, process skills, and work habits of the K 12 curriculum in many subject areas. Analytical assessment tools foster teacher dialogue, improve communication with students, encourage self-assessment, and help parents support learning. Student performance in the district has improved, as measured by standardized achievement tests, district measures, and the regionwide student portfolio. The authors have included 138 exhibits of performance tasks, assessment lists, rubrics, and samples of student work; 39 figures; a glossary; and 2 indexes.