The power of adaptive testing in supporting inclusion and equity in the classroom

Every classroom brings together a mix of learners, each with unique strengths, challenges, and their own way and pace of learning. 

An ongoing question for educators is how to fairly and effectively understand what each student knows and can do, and what they need next, in a way that supports every learner.

Here’s where adaptive testing is changing the story of assessment.

Meeting every learner where they are at.

Traditional tests tend to measure students against a fixed set of questions and compare them with others. While this approach has its uses, it often overlooks the full range of learners in a classroom - from those who need targeted support to those ready to be challenged further.

Adaptive assessment, on the other hand, adjusts to each student’s current level of knowledge and understanding, in real time. Students start with a set of questions reflecting their expected achievement level, that then adapt as they go along - presenting more complex items (questions) when they answer correctly, or simpler ones when they struggle. The result is a test experience that meets learners where they are, offering a clearer, fairer picture of their progress.

Championing progress, not just performance

Adaptive testing not only provides educators with actionable insights; it also promotes equity by recognising that every student’s learning journey is different. In doing so, the objective and narrative shifts from categorizing students as “good or bad”, “pass or fail” or “above or below average”, to identifying patterns of learning and focusing on championing and driving progress beyond performance. 

Supporting inclusion through data, from classrooms to systems

The value of adaptive testing extends beyond the classroom. At a school or system level, the data generated helps leaders see how well different groups of students are progressing, which is a crucial element in achieving inclusion and equity goals.

By highlighting patterns across subjects, grades or regions, these assessments help ensure that all learners, including those with additional needs or exceptional abilities, are visible in the data that drives decision-making.

Empowering teachers with meaningful insights

The Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER) has been at the forefront of developing research-based adaptive assessments that provide deep, diagnostic insights. Through assessments such as the International Benchmark Tests (IBT), educators across the Middle East can now access adaptive tests in core subjects such as Arabic, English, Reasoning, Mathematics and Science, designed to reveal both, individual growth and group trends.

The adaptive IBT – delivered online and with instant reporting - enables teachers and leaders to:

•    Identify students who need additional support or challenge
•    Track learning progress over time
•    Identify learning trends to support interventions at a cohort or school- level
•    Inform teaching strategies that respond to diverse learner needs

Making assessment work for every learner 

At its heart, adaptive testing is about fairness. It gives every learner an opportunity to demonstrate what they know, at the right level of challenge. When paired with professional learning and thoughtful use of data, it becomes a powerful tool for supporting inclusive and equitable education.

As a not-for-profit research organisation with more than 95 years of experience, ACER continues to develop innovative, evidence-based assessments that help schools make learning visible for every student.
 

• Meet the ACER Middle East team at GESS Dubai 2025 at Stand Q40 to explore research-based tools, services and insights designed to improve learning for all.  
   
• Don’t miss our workshop, ‘Data storytelling for educators: breaking down data walls to unlock learning progress’ on Thursday, 13 November at 14:35 in the Workshop Room. This session will be led by Dr Jarrod Hingston, Acting CEO, ACER Middle East, and Head of Division, Student Learning and Progress, ACER.
   
• Honoured to be nominated for GESS Awards 2025 nominee for SEN and Inclusive Resource/Equipment Supplier of the Year, recognising ACER’s adaptive assessments and their role in supporting diverse learners.