The Alberta Student Assessment Network (ASAN) is a Canadian nonprofit organization registered under the business number 881185896RR0001. It operates as an independent society focused on advancing effective student assessment practices within the province of Alberta.

Overview

ASAN functions as a collaborative network that connects educational jurisdictions, stakeholders, and partners to promote high-quality classroom assessment. Its mission centers on advocating for sound assessment methodologies that enhance student learning and instructional strategies. Drawing on research and inquiry, ASAN contributes to building assessment literacy among educators, developing assessment materials aligned with Alberta’s curriculum, and supporting professional learning opportunities for teachers and educational leaders.

Purpose and Activities

The organization pursues four primary purposes:

• Advocacy and Collaboration: ASAN engages with member jurisdictions and educational partners to facilitate purposeful connections around assessment initiatives. It provides an informed, independent voice responding to assessment-related questions and challenges relevant to the Alberta educational context.

• Building Assessment Literacy: Through action research and inquiry initiatives, ASAN maintains contact with international assessment authorities. It fosters partnerships aimed at validating and enhancing research-based assessment practices tailored to Alberta.

• Development of Assessment Resources: ASAN develops a broad range of classroom assessment tools including performance assessments, rubrics, scaffolding supports, and unit plans that apply backward design principles. Samples of student work demonstrating various quality levels relative to assessment criteria are collected to support teacher understanding and application.

• Professional Learning: The organization offers high-quality professional development, including an annual fall conference with internationally recognized presenters and local educators demonstrating best practices. It also designs professional learning modules, publishes practical guides for educators, and provides customized facilitator services on a fee-for-service basis.

Recognition and Funding

ASAN is recognized as an education partner within Alberta. As a not-for-profit registered society, it is funded primarily through its membership base. Its independent status enables it to provide impartial advice and responses to issues impacting student learning and assessment practices in the province.

Resources and Access

ASAN maintains a practical website that hosts relevant links, assessment tools, and templates designed for classroom use, making it a valuable resource for Alberta educators committed to improving student assessment outcomes.

This article synthesizes publicly available information about the Alberta Student Assessment Network highlighting its role in fostering effective and research-based student assessment practices in Alberta’s education system[4].