During 2005 and 2006, ANSN National Coach Viv White worked with numerous innovative Victorian teachers and educators to develop a deeper understanding of students' learning and their capabilities.

Three networking Hubs were established by the ANSN during this time: the Habits of Mind, Relational Learning and Authentic Assessment – Digital Portfolios and Exhibitions Hub. Through this work, more than 300 schools from across the state benefited directly from workshops, conferences, school visits and other activities. Members had access to high level, ongoing professional support and learning that in many cases resulted in significant improvements to teaching and learning practices in schools.

On behalf of the ANSN, Viv White now invites you to take part in the Authentic Assessment Hub for 2007. The attached brochure has more information and registration details.

   We know that some standardised tests are very helpful for teachers, however they don't tell the whole story about the lives, capacities and learning of our young people in schools. They often miss the chance of sharing our greatest achievements and learning from our greatest failures by limiting our assessment to single scores and grades.

What's more, the students are not usually involved in determining the standards to be reached and how they will get there. Educators have long struggled with ways of making assessment more authentic so that our young people in schools get feedback like adults in the workplace and community. Parents need to be active participants too. – Viv White

Teachers who worked with Viv in the Authentic Assessment Hub (2006) will continue their work with her. Viv also hopes to work with other states to advance this work. (For practical purposes it is best if there are clusters of schools geographically close-by so that at least 20 teachers can work together). Viv would also be happy to run a preliminary half-day session to introduce the Authentic Assessment Hub's work to your school.

The first two days of the Authentic Assessment Hub will commence in Term 2 in each of the states.

For more information, download the attached pdf and please don't hesitate to contact Viv White