Teachers are expected to learn about and frequently apply different assessment methods and tools, involve their learners in assessment practices, and monitor their progress. Failing to do so may hinder inclusive education.

According to the TALIS 2018, 70 % of teachers attended ongoing professional development on ‘student assessment practices’ in 2018 (compared to 57 % in 2013). Teachers must be provided with opportunities throughout their careers to develop their assessment knowledge, practical skills and self-assurance.

Making the shift happen

The European Commission’s Working Group on Schools has gathered examples on how teachers are supported at national or local level to ensure they can lead the process.

• France: Academy of Dijon's Inclusive School Group provides webinars, training, resources, and papers to help instructors create inclusive assessment techniques for students with special needs.
• Italy: Pre-service teachers at the University of Genoa attended a curriculum development course on formative assessment that involved a three-step process: self-evaluation, peer assessment and group assessment.
• Norway: The National Programme for Assessment for Learning sought to change the culture of assessment so that it placed more emphasis on learning, promoting teacher development and peer-learning competency.
• Portugal: MAIA Project (National Project in Training, Supervision and Research in Classroom Assessment, 2019) helps teachers improve assessment practices through continuous training.
• Lithuania: a comprehensive teacher training programme is being implemented as part of their Progress Strategy to improve assessment literacy and support new mentality.

Also, policies and resources have been created in Croatia and Belgium (French Community) to enhance teacher support, increase professional development and develop contemporary tools to aid this educational shift.

Celebrating teachers on 5 October

World Teachers’ Day is the occasion to celebrate the work of teachers globally. On the European School Education Platform, we aim to provide teachers with meaningful content and professional development courses to stay up to date and help tackle the challenges of today's school world.