This guide is intended for the practitioner needing to get up to speed quickly regarding Value-Added Assessment (VAA). Based on a comprehensive review of current research on VAA, the guide outlines several issues that must be kept in mind when implementing a VAA-based accountability system. In addition to describing the similarities and differences among six major approaches to VAA, the guide also details several VAA-based accountability programs currently in use. Finally, the guide offers practitioners and policymakers guidance on assessing the potential of VAA for their own purposes.