21 November 2023
A group of global assessment practitioners have had their assessment expertise recognised by Cambridge Assessment Network through a new award based on innovation in assessment.
The Advanced Assessment Practitioner Award, which launched in August 2022 is presented to members who achieve a pass mark on a 3000-word assignment focusing on the development of an assessment ‘innovation’ in their own context.
Dr Simon Child, Head of Assessment Training at Cambridge Assessment Network, is delighted with the success of the new initiative:
The award is designed for those who want to establish themselves as leaders in assessment practices and culture in their organisation - for the benefit of learners. The award focuses on innovative practices, and people who gain the award will have demonstrated their ability to push the boundaries of assessment design, as well as their capacity for reflecting on their own development. Innovations can either be relatively small or large-scale. Recent examples range from curriculum and assessment reform projects in developing nations, to improvements in school-based assessment design.”
While the group of award holders come from countries from across the globe, they all share the goal of wanting to gain further recognition for their assessment expertise.
To be eligible for an Advanced Practitioner Award, participants must have 60 hours of CPD learning on Cambridge Assessment Network courses and be a part of the membership community.
Assessment Specialist, Desmond Parke is one of the successful applicants and has seen a huge benefit from completing the awards and participating in membership.
My experience of the Advanced Assessment Practitioner Award is that it is a well-designed professional development programme with a good balance between academic rigour while allowing participants space to innovate according to their personal interest. The credibility of the programme is underpinned by the Cambridge brand which is seen favourably by colleagues.
The programme allowed me the opportunity to look critically at standardised vocational assessments which I was able to redesign to incorporate a range of skills to make it more inclusive. I am passionate about diversity, and this was at the core of my research innovation. Due to the award, I am now more critical and reflective when using assessments. Being a Member of Cambridge Assessment Network gives me access to useful resources and opportunities to interact with other assessment professionals which aligns with my development goals.”
The Cambridge Assessment Network membership scheme launched in March 2022, and has members from over 150 different organisations, and 50 countries worldwide.
By becoming a Member like Desmond, practitioners not only have access to the Assessment Practitioner Awards, but also an exclusive forum, a regular newsletter, course discounts, 'Ask the Experts' podcasts, and a resource library to enhance their practice.
The next application window for the Advanced Assessment Practitioner Award will open on 8 April 2024.
If you have any questions about the awards or membership, please get in touch at thenetwork@cambridgeassessment.org.uk.