Assessment tools that yield valid, actionable information match project goals in scale and scope. An heuristic checklist may be exactly the right tool for the job. Questionnaires and focus groups can provide useful insights but asking people what they think may not tell you what you really want to know. Measures of engagement, innovation and empowerment can be embedded in activities that reveal hidden dimensions - and provide actionable data to take us where we want to go in education and community.