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A new centre based at The University of Western Australia will ensure that Western Australia continues to develop its reputation as a national leader in school student assessment.

Education Minister Liz Constable launched the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority's Assessment Development Centre at UWA.

Dr Constable said the centre was a specialised unit for educational measurement and test development, recognising Western Australia and UWA's position at the forefront of educational measurement research in Australia.

UWA Pro Vice-Chancellor (Education) Jane Long said assessment was an integral part of the teaching and learning process.

"There is a need for assessment practices which reflect new understandings of learning theories, new curricula, and the accountability requirements of our education systems and government policies," Professor Long said.

"In this respect, our University is extremely pleased to be able to help ensure that assessment is developing to match the new world of study which demands new knowledge, skills and behaviours.

"While Australian students generally perform well compared to most international counterparts, there is room for improvement and through assessment we are able to identify where help is needed and allocate appropriate resources more equitably."

Winthrop Professor Helen Wildy, Dean of the Faculty of Education, said the partnership between UWA and ACARA was a logical relationship given the concentration of internationally recognised measurement expertise at UWA led by Winthrop Professor David Andrich.

Media references

Winthrop Professor Helen Wildy (Dean, Faculty of Education)  (+61 8)  6488 1709
Janine MacDonald (UWA Public Affairs)  (+61 8)  6488 5563  /  (+61 4) 32 637 716