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Assessment Learning Exchange

Assessment Learning Exchange (ALE) is a gathering of assessment practitioners to share experiences informally, reflect on their practices, gather new ideas, and experience a sense of community through themed conversations. Initiated in 2020, ALE aims to match AALHE members for themed assessment conversations. In ALE, participants exchange their experiences, listen, receive feedback, and engage in wondering and pondering about a pre-selected focal topic. 

Beyond the Historical Norm: Assessment in Nontraditional Pathways and Emerging Frontiers
 
Join us for the next Assessment Learning Exchange (ALE), where AALHE members will engage in small-group discussions (4-6 people) around today’s most pressing assessment challenges.
Thursday, February 12, 2026, from 3:00–4:15 p.m. ET (2:00 CT / 12:00 PT)
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Description: Colleges and universities are experimenting with new models—competency-based programs, credit for prior learning, and three-year degrees. What role does assessment play in these changes? Join us to share what’s happening on your campus and discuss how assessment can help shape these emerging frontiers. This ALE invites members to explore questions such as:
  • What new or emerging models of learning (competence-based education, three-year degrees, prior learning, dual enrollment, etc.) are being talked about at your campus or what changes do you think might be coming?
  • What assessment approaches and technologies seem best suited to helping us assess learning in these models effectively, consistently, and efficiently, particularly at larger scales?
  • What might we learn about assessing these new or emerging models to inform our assessment work in other areas?

 
Contact [email protected] for any questions.


 

FAQs

Who can participate?

AALHE members.

Do I need to be an expert on the topic?

No, certainly not! You should have some experience with the topic so you can contribute to the conversation and ask questions.

Can you explain how this works?

In each ALE session, you will join 3 to 6 peers in a Zoom breakout room and converse about a pre-selected focal topic/issue and its subtopics. The facilitator will guide the discussions on:

  • Successful strategies that you carried out or experienced.
  • Challenges that you experience and one area that you would like feedback on
  • Exchange of ideas and thoughts
  • Summarizing group takeaways   

Tip: before each conversation, prepare one experience to share (a learning moment or a moment you’d like advice on) and one area that you want to seek feedback.

How will we meet? What technology is needed?

The ALE will take place in Zoom breakout rooms each with 3-6 participants in facilitated informal conversations in breakout rooms, representing different topical areas or contexts.

What will I get out of the ALE?

Participation in the ALE will help you:

  • enhance your practice while helping others to do increasingly valuable assessment work;
  • develop new networks, meet new people, and strengthen bonds;
  • advance the professionalism of assessment practitioners and scholars;
  • contribute to scholarships that will advance the field.

Some ALE conversations may seed larger projects or longer-term collaborations. We encourage you to consider how your ALE conversations could result in an AALHE conference presentation, webinar, workshop, or article in an AALHE publication.

Who can I contact for more information?
Email us at [email protected]

Recent ALE Topics:

11/12/25 In the Room Where It Happens: Securing Assessment’s Role in Strategy and Governance
8/13/25 Student Learning Assessment in a Shifting Higher Ed Landscape
5/14/25 Navigation Continuous Improvement Through Data & Technology
2/12/25 Optimize Your Workflow and Find Your Rhythm
11/13/24 Using Assessment Results for Action Planning
8/7/2024 Engaging Faculty & Building Partnership for Collaborative Assessment Meeting Summary
5/8/2024 Integrating AI for Curriculum Development and Programmatic Assessment (AI for Learning Assessment Padlet)
2/14/2024 Equitable and Useful Assessment Reporting at Varying Levels for Different Stakeholders
11/08/2023 Challenges and Opportunities of AI in Assessing Students’ Learning
06/21/2023 Using Assessment Results for Continuous Improvement
05/24/2023 Assessing in Difficult Areas to Quantify
02/22/2023 Using Assessment Results for Continuous Improvement