In response to a mandate by the North Carolina State Legislature and the requirements of the Race to the Top-Early Learning Challenge Grant, NC Superintendent June Atkinson convened the K-3 Assessment Think Tank which included NC school teachers, parents, scholars representing seven NC universities, and additional stakeholders. The group was charged with proposing a plan to improve early elementary school learning and instruction through more efficient and effective use of student-centered assessments. Over a nine-month period, the Think Tank reviewed scientific findings and best practices and solicited input from a wide array of stakeholders, including a survey of over 2,500 NC teachers and consultation from over 60 state and national scholars and education leaders. This report summarizes the Think Tank's findings, its proposal for an innovative process to improve learning, and its recommendations for next steps. (author abstract)