Testing boundaries: assessment futures (and education for the moment)

Assessment is, as we all know, a constantly changing landscape and in many ways our engagement within this sector whether we are researchers, developers, teachers, learners or anyone else with a stake in assessment, has real-world impact. At a time when more and more people are on the move, we need to be ready to support education systems and provide resources that are portable, robust and inclusive. This is no mean feat. We are also operating in spaces where difficult and challenging social contexts can make it hard for us to be able to do all we would like.

Across Europe, the quality of research, innovation and development remains of utmost importance globally and frameworks such as CEFR provide examples of excellence in terms of attempting to sustain standards between very different nations with vastly different educational aims, cultures and systems. However, from my position as an internationalist, it is such variance in thinking, policy and enactment that enriches how we evolve and sustain educational aims.

In this keynote, I will consider what the dramatic shifts in global societies generally are meaning for education and how this could impact European perspectives for learners and learning. In terms of assessment, the presentation will include (of course) some consideration of the role of AI and how this is characterised in the current testing times. We don't, as many media headlines claim, stand on the cusp of change in assessment. It is already happening and it is our role in the assessment 'industry' to be responsive, to engage and perhaps most importantly to be ready to share good ideas and good practice for the benefit of all. The very aims of education are being challenged well beyond Europe, so we should be ready to meet any that arrive at our borders.

About Dr. Mary Richardson

She began working in academia in 2002, first lecturing and then leading the BA Education at the University of Roehampton. Prior to joining academia, she was a Senior Research Officer in the department of Research and Statistics for AQA conducting national studies relating to school-based examinations, testing regimes in schools and the impact of testing on children alongside the key role in awarding national examinations. Mary is currently developing philosophical work on ethical use of AI in assessment alongside leading the reporting for NI/Wales for PISA25 and also continuing to develop work on the impact of high stakes testing on children and young people.

Mary is a member of the Research Advisory Group for Qualification Wales, the Pearson PTE Academic Technical Advisory Group on AI technology and testing, the Quality and Standards Committee for the NCFE, and on AQA's Research Advisory Group. Mary co-convenes the Curriculum Assessment & Pedagogy Special Interest Group (SIG) for BERA and is an executive editor of the journal, Assessment In Education: Principles, Policy and Practice.

 

◼ Register today to meet thought leaders from Europe and around the world to connect, share stories, and learn from each other.

Why You Should Attend

If you are an organisation that uses assessments or are thinking about using assessments to measure achievement, competency or performance will find value in this conference. This will be an invaluable learning and networking experience for all organisations that use assessments, beyond the typical testing professions of the past.

◼ Learn More

About The Venue

Dublin is a city where history and modernity collide, offering everything from vibrant pubs to stunning architecture. Just a short walk from all of the sights is the Clayton Hotel Burlington Road, with its warm atmosphere and lively spirit. Dublin invites you to experience the perfect blend of old-world charm and contemporary energy.

◼ Learn More

Sponsor E-ATP 2025

E-ATP offers a number of sponsorship opportunities. Don’t miss this opportunity to meet an influential audience, gain an understanding of their challenges and issues through personal discussions, and offer solutions to improve assessments and the assessment experience.

◼ Learn More