A computer integrated assessment system for standards-based assessments wherein the assessments conform to recorded standards, the system includes algorithms for directing the generation of a plan of a series of customized assessments aligned to respective selected standards of the recorded standards wherein each of the customized assessments are set for different times within a period of time; and algorithms for enabling a user to generate a test in one of the customized assessments wherein one of the selected standards of the one customized assessment is displayed to the user during generation of questions for the test. During generation of tests, repeating of questions or questions on selected subject matter can be prevented. Individuals or groups can be selected to the customized assessments. Accuracy in grading of answer sheets by scanning is improved by an algorithm determining the lightest and darkest answer mark to determine the intended answer. Additionally student handheld devices can be used to answer questions in test with automatic grading or scoring.