This symposium will discuss recent knowledge of student assessment technology, and develop research collaborations in the field. Attendees will include experts and officials from Education Assessment Branches across Canada, school district leaders, researchers, and companies specializing in online assessments. The goal is to share leading-edge developments, identify practical issues to be resolved, and serve as a catalyst for further development of computer-based assessment in the K-12 system. The Symposium will investigate whether technology can improve K-12 assessment and how it will impact teaching and learning.


BACKGROUND
Assessment technology is the next educational frontier. Rapidly emerging innovations have the power to make fundamental changes in teaching processes, the skills and understandings measured, and the decisions made about student learning.

In 2004 SAEE, a non-profit Canadian education research agency, commissioned its new assessment research arm, the TASA Institute, to undertake an environmental scan of the state of the art in assessment technology. TASA's goal is to document the most advanced models, significant field trials and their results, benefits, problems, issues, best practices, implications for policy and areas for future research.

Despite the potential of these advances, there remain significant challenges and risks in the transition from conventional to virtual testing. The time is right to bring together leading experts in the field with policymakers and system administrators to consider options and next steps in implementation.


WHY ATTEND?
Innovation in Testing Technology provides senior educational decision makers an opportunity to weigh options and strategies for designing tomorrow’s assessment systems. Drawing on the research base and technical expertise present, participants will explore the potential of various assessment tools to facilitate teaching and learning. Keynote speakers offer perspectives on cutting-edge developments in leading jurisdictions, while breakout sessions explore other pivotal aspects highlighted in the background report.

The event will kick off with a networking showcase at 8:00 am followed by a keynote address and breakout sessions. Refreshments and a buffet luncheon will be provided. The day will conclude with a question and answer session with leaders in the field of on-line testing.

Check www.tasainstitute.com for Innovations in Testing Technology updates.

Early Bird Rate: $275 Regular Registration: $295 Exhibition space available for select companies upon application.