Mary, I agree developing a variety of measurements that contribute to a grade are important. This also allows for students who are say, better writers to excel in one category, where written essay questions may be just so so. The important thing I try remember is that we are trying measure learning, so creating a system that encompasses many areas of assessment just makes sense to me. And, yes, it's important that the system is fair to all. Coming up with such a system requires thought, time, and creative effort but will result in better measurement systems. Barry Westling