Stanford, CA and Princeton, NJ (April 17, 2023) — The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching and ETS have announced a groundbreaking partnership aimed at revolutionizing educational assessment throughout the United States. Working in collaboration with educators, policymakers, and stakeholders nationwide, the initiative seeks to develop a comprehensive suite of assessment and analytic tools. These tools are intended to accurately measure the full spectrum of skills necessary for American students to excel in K–12 education, postsecondary education, and beyond.
For over a century, the Carnegie Unit, or "credit hour," has been central to the educational landscape, defining learning benchmarks and shaping how educational outcomes are assessed. However, as educational needs evolve in the 21st century, there is growing recognition that traditional metrics based on seat time alone do not adequately reflect the diverse range of skills and competencies required for success in today's economy.
Carnegie Foundation President Timothy F.C. Knowles emphasized the need for a shift towards competency-based assessments that capture meaningful progress across various learning environments. He stressed the importance of empowering students, parents, and educators with actionable insights into learning outcomes, whether in classrooms, workplaces, or community settings.
Amit Sevak, President & CEO of ETS, underscored the necessity for a fundamental paradigm shift from time-based to skill-based learning units. He highlighted the importance of developing smarter assessments that accurately measure cognitive, affective, and behavioral skills essential for thriving in the modern world.
Together, Carnegie and ETS will collaborate to design, pilot, and implement a new generation of assessments. These assessments will leverage cutting-edge technology to track and communicate student skill development effectively. The initiative aims to provide stakeholders with comprehensive evidence of progress, supporting informed decision-making at all levels of the educational ecosystem.
The partnership will engage stakeholders extensively throughout the process, ensuring diverse perspectives are incorporated into the development, testing, and implementation of these innovative assessment tools. Organizations like the American Council on Education (ACE) and XQ Institute are actively involved, reflecting a collective effort to address critical educational challenges and prepare students for future success in academia and beyond.