From left: Maria Dacre, Michael De’Ath and Jenny Poskitt

Massey alumni impacting knowledge and practice in New Zealand assessment

Three Massey University alumni have a prominent role in the New Zealand Assessment Institute (NZAI) 2025 conference, with the theme of “Using assessment for better, smarter, faster learning”. The conference attracts educators throughout Aotearoa New Zealand who have an interest in educational assessment, including primary and secondary school teachers and principals, ITE students, professional development providers, educational agencies, researchers, policy makers, and even the Minister of Education (Minister Erica Stanford is opening the conference with a keynote address).

Michael De’Ath, who graduated with a Bachelor of Education and Master of Educational Administration (First Class Honours) and a former Director-General of Queensland Education, is a keynote speaker, talking about innovative education system supports that enable schools to use assessment to improve learning and achievement. Maria Dacre, who graduated with a Master of Education and has recently submitted her PhD for examination, is leading a workshop on exciting ways Initial Teacher Education programmes teach and assess key competencies. Thirdly, Jenny Poskitt, who graduated with a Bachelor of Education, Master of Educational Administration (First Class Honours) and a Doctor of Philosophy from Massey University, is President of NZAI and a key member of the conference organising committee.

Two of the alumni are also current Massey University staff members – Maria Dacre is a lecturer and Primary Endorsement Lead in the Graduate Diploma of Learning and Teaching (the qualification that Initial Teacher Education students study to become qualified as early childhood, primary or secondary teachers in Aotearoa New Zealand). Jenny Poskitt is professor of educational assessment, teaching in the Institute of Education, and Director of College Projects in the PVC Office of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences.

These three alumni personify the vision of NZAI, in linking policy, research and practice in assessment for learning to support teachers and learners. It is a voluntary network of educators, collaboratively sharing knowledge and expertise, and connecting policy, research and practice to promote high quality, equitable use of assessment.

If you are studying or working in the education sector, you may be interested and are welcome to attend the NZAI 2025 Conference, 15-16th April, Ormiston Junior College, Auckland. For more information, go to:  https://www.nzai.org.nz/events-seminars/