Bailey, K M (1998) Learning About Language Assessment: Dilemmas, decisions and directions, Heinle and Heinle, Boston
One of the most accessible introductions to language assessment theory. It includes good sections on test purposes, validity and reliability, norm- and criterion-referencing and approaches to marking. Although written for a specific American audience, it is readily accessible to all.

James, C (1998) Errors in Language Learning and Use, Longman, London
The most useful single volume for anyone interested in pursuing the question of error and error analysis. Rather specialist in places, but the sections on understanding learner error and its causes are worthwhile reading for all language teachers.

LTSN Generic Centre (2001) Assessment Series, LTSN, York
This set of four guides and eight briefings is aimed at HE staff and provides succinct, very readable overviews of important generic issues and practices in the field of assessment. The guides are intended for: Senior Managers, Heads of Department, Lecturers, and Students; while the briefings cover the following topics: Assessment Issues Arising from Key Skills, Assessment of Portfolios, Key Concepts in Assessment, Assessing Disabled Students, Self-, Peer- and Group-Assessment, Plagiarism, Work-based Learning, and Assessment of Large Groups. The Guide for Lecturers and the briefings on Key Concepts, Formative and Summative Assessment, Criterion- and Norm-referenced Assessment and Self-, Peer- and Group-Assessment are especially recommended.

McNamara, T (2000) Language Testing, Oxford University Press, Oxford
A brief overview of the subject for the non-specialist which includes short surveys of different aspects of testing (uncluttered by references), readings from key texts and a selection of annotated references.

Race, S (2001) The Lecturer's Toolkit: A practical guide to learning, teaching and assessment, 2^nd edition, pp 31-103, Kogan Page, London
Chapter Two on assessment and feedback is an invaluable introduction to the subject. If you have time to read only one chapter on generic issues in assessment, make it this one. It includes numerous practical tips and suggestions.

Schmidt, M and O'Dochartaigh, P (2001) Assessment in Modern Languages: Getting it right, University of Ulster, Coleraine
A report on the 1998-2000 FDTL (Fund for the Development of Teaching and Learning) project on 'Effective Practices in Assessment in the Modern Languages'. Based on a series of interviews with staff and students, and on QAA and institutions' course documentation, this survey covers a wide range of generic and language-specific issues in assessment. It is linked to a 'Workshop Handbook', which aims to facilitate staff development workshops on assessment in languages.

The ILT website (Members' Area) contains the following papers on generic aspects of assessment, all with a wealth of references and links:

Baume, D Portfolios for learning and assessment

Bostock, S Student peer assessment

Johnson, R Digest of online resources relating to assessment

Rust, C Basic assessment issues and terminology