Assessment design consortia projects are cross-state networks that focus on investigating special issues, providing technical assistance, and sharing information about: current and planned assessments in specific areas at the state level; innovative assessment designs; in-depth examinations of issues inherent in innovative approaches to assessment; mapping student outcomes in various subject areas; alternative approaches to the assessment of the common outcomes; exploring, expanding, and refining a variety of approaches to assessment; and the development of prototype assessment exercises that push the boundaries of current assessment practice.

Assessment development projects allow states to plan and develop a variety of ready-to-use assessment program components for state assessment purposes, such as a K-12 science education, health education, or social studies. Because these projects typically develop large item banks and involve special contractors, they are comparatively more complex and expensive.