Blog

This year’s National Council on Measurement in Education Conference (April 23-26) brought together the brightest in educational assessment, and I couldn’t be prouder of Pearson’s exceptional contributions and sponsorship of this important annual gathering.

Leading Pearson psychometricians, researchers, and assessment professionals participated in an impressive 22 sessions, presentations, and poster discussions, showcasing the curiosity, depth of expertise, and commitment to efficacy that drives our work. 

In reflecting on the event and discussing my impressions with peers, three themes stood out:

"When we understand each assessment's purpose, we unlock the power of personalized instruction, have deeper conversations about student growth, and paint a more complete and accurate picture of achievement." 

– Kirsten Baesler, North Dakota State Superintendent of Education

As a parent of three kiddos under 10, I know firsthand that kids are complex. To meet them where they are and support their development is a fluid process that must take into account their unique needs, goals, and personalities. In talking to teachers across the country, I hear the difficulty they face in personalizing instruction to support every learner. Not because of lack of effort and certainly not because they aren’t passionate about their roles in students' lives. It's in part due to the management of multiple technology platforms and systems-technology aimed at helping teachers, but often leading to more work. When multiple tech platforms don't talk to each other, that means teachers must track student results in different systems, reconcile them with each other and then, what they actually know about their students.