About Us: Overview
The mission of the K–12 Center at ETS is to create timely events where conversations regarding new assessment challenges can take place and to publish and disseminate the best thinking and research on the range of measurement issues facing national, state and local decision makers.
The current state-led initiative to adopt common core standards and develop aligned common assessments has created an unprecedented opportunity to develop a new generation of integrated systems of assessments and reporting tools that actively support improved teaching, learning and equity.
The K–12 Center will help the field utilize this opportunity to bring about significant advances in several challenging areas of measurement, such as:
- Development of interactive computer-based items, including complex simulations and technology-based tools, to expand the range and complexity of skills that can be assessed.
- Pushing the frontier on items and tasks that can be scored using artificial intelligence scoring systems.
- Using computer-based testing to enhance accessibility.
- Building assessments around learning progressions: what do we know and what work is still ahead?
- Development of more valid and fair content assessments for English language learners.
- Measurement of student growth and attribution of responsibility in teacher and principal evaluation systems.
To receive notices of the K–12 Center's new resources and events, please join our email list. Interested partners are encouraged to contact us.
ETS also maintains a website with resources pertaining to next generation assessments.