This digest addresses the importance of and the methods used to assess the performance of college students. Following a definition of "assessment," the digest considers: (1) why classroom assessment of students' achievement is important; (2) how an instructor can ensure the quality of information from classroom assessments; (3) methods of assessment particularly suited to various achievement targets; (4) how the results of several assessments can be meaningfully combined into one composite grade; (5) ways for faculty to improve assessment skills; and (6) conclusions about assessment from a review of the literature. It is concluded that the relatively few empirical studies of classroom assessment in higher education underscore the importance of instructor fairness, clarity in tests, assignments, and scoring, and clear descriptions of the achievement targets or learning goals in higher education classrooms. (DB)