Assessment literacy is essential for those making important decisions about students, educators, and educational systems based on student data. Yet, evidence shows that too few educators understand the fundamental concepts and procedures of educational testing. Even fewer policy-makers, students, and families understand the important role of assessment in helping all students achieve at high levels.
We actively engage state and national leaders in exploring what it means to be assessment literate. And, we continuously develop resources to support assessment knowledge, dispositions, and performance among each education stakeholder group.
Current Research and Development Topics
Assessment Learning Network (ALN)
Our successful Assessment Learning Network (ALN), supported in part by the Michigan Department of Education, will continue to expand to increase the assessment literacy of educators throughout Michigan and beyond.
Highlights for 2025-26 will include:
- a theme of Creating Coherence: Instruction and assessment in secondary classrooms that engages and motivates today’s learners that addresses disciplinary literacy and student-centered instruction & assessment in the arts, in science classrooms, and in social studies at the secondary level.
- new video and print resources to enrich the growing library of Learning Point handouts and Learning Moment videos recorded during ALN events.
Assessment Learning and credentialing System
We are developing learning opportunities for educators through three levels of course work based on our Assessment Literacy Standards.
- We have nine Level I Assessment Learning Modules available at Michigan Virtual. These provide the foundation to understand sound practice and quality comprehensive assessment systems. Learners earn SECHE credit.
- We have developed course content for Level II micro-credential courses, designed to require demonstration of competency. We have conducted a pilot in which a cohort of learners provided feedback on the courses. The total course catalogue is nearing completion.
- Level III advanced certification is targeted to Michigan educators with a goal to develop and certify assessment specialists for Michigan’s districts and schools. Our developers are finalizing the program design and methods for demonstrating integrated and applied competency as either Classroom Assessment Specialists or System Assessment Specialists.
- We are developing course content for Level II micro-credential courses, and conducting a pilot in which a cohort of learners are participating and providing feedback on the courses.
- Level III advanced certification is targeted to Michigan educators with a goal to develop and certify assessment specialists for Michigan’s districts and schools. Our developers are finalizing the program design and methods for demonstrating competency for Level III candidates.
To learn more about the MAC’s Research and Development work, please contact Ed Roeber at (517) 816-4520.
Our resource bank contains additional materials and resources to support educators in the effective use of assessment.