About AAIA

Aims

The aim of the Association is to promote pupil progress and achievement through best practice in assessment.

Objectives

To advance educational practice and professional expertise in assessment:

• by providing a forum for the exchange of views and the dissemination of ideas, for example through this website
• by the publication of materials that exemplify effective assessment practice
• through regional meetings and conferences which provide professional support for members and an opportunity to guide the work of the Executive
• through national conferences which encourage debate, provide an opportunity to share ideas and explore recent developments in assessment

To develop a professional response to educational issues involving assessment:

• through formal and informal meetings with governmental and non-governmental departments and bodies , other national organisations, professional associations and educational establishments
• through working groups of members that address specific issues or areas of work
• by nominating representatives to attend key seminars and conferences concerned with assessment issues
• by responding to national consultations and reviews
  

History

AAIA was founded in 1990 in order to promote pupil achievement through the development of effective assessment practice. Since that time, it has worked at national level to influence policy developments and at regional and local levels to promote good practice within schools, and has become one of the leading organisations in the field of educational assessment.

Current Work

A paper produced for ASPECT (to which AAIA is affiliated) details some of AAIA’s activities. Our vision and aims describes how the Association seeks to develop its work and address its aim of promoting pupil progress and achievement through assessment.

Membership

AAIA has members working in most local authorities and has members in all of the countries of the United Kingdom, as well as overseas membership. Some members work in schools, colleges and other organisations or work independently. The Association is open to anyone working within education that has an interest in assessment. In addition to full membership, associate membership is also available. This permits access to all communications and the full AAIA website, including the members’ area, for anyone, particularly those in schools, who subscribe to the Association’s principles. However, associate membership does not allow individuals to attend meetings or conferences.

Contacts

AAIA has members working in most LAs.  Other members work in schools, colleges, other organisations or work independently.  The Association is open to anyone working within education who has an interest in assessment.