About AAIA

Aims

The aim of the Association is to promote pupil achievement through the processes of effective assessment, recording and reporting

Objectives

To work to further the educational practice and professional development of members:

• the development and exchange of strategies which uphold the Association's principles of assessment within the legal framework
• national and regional conferences which address the development of educational practice in assessment

To provide a forum for the exchange of views, information and experience related to all aspects of assessments:

• regular mailing to disseminate ideas, developments and interesting practice on assessment
• regional meetings and conferences which address issues of concern to members
• national conferences which encourage debate and provide advice and support on assessment issues

To develop a professional response to issues which may influence assessment, recording and reporting:

• formal and informal meetings with representatives of the DfES, QCA, OFSTED and other appropriate national organisations/departments
• the attendance, where possible, of representatives of the Association at key seminars and conferences which have a bearing on assessment issues
• press releases and articles
• responses to consultation documents

To encourage and develop regional groups, and through them promote meetings, courses, conferences and publications in the field of assessment:

• regional activities include the development of agreed procedures for inter LEA moderation

To liase with other professional associations to further the aims of the Association.

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.

In order to maintain and develop this position at a time of further substantial change in education, in 2006 the Executive instituted a review of the aims and activities of the Association. It produced a statement of our vision and aims, and the ways in which it seeks to achieve these, in order to promote AAIA and to guide our work in the future.

Overview of work of the Association - Executive Annual Plan 2007-2008

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.