February 2026
AERA and The 74 will present a free public webinar, AI in Student Assessment: Promise, Potential, and Risks, on March 18 at 1:00 p.m. ET. The event is open to all; register in advance to attend.
As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to reshape education, new tools are emerging that move beyond traditional testing toward more dynamic and interactive approaches to measuring student learning. From students engaging in simulated conversations with virtual characters to demonstrate reasoning and problem-solving, to AI systems that analyze collaboration and learning processes in real time, researchers are exploring how technology can provide deeper insights into what students know and can do.
At the same time, these innovations raise pressing questions for educators, researchers, and policymakers. Can AI-powered assessments adapt to individual learners in ways that are both valid and fair? Will they help close opportunity gaps, or risk reinforcing inequities through bias, unequal access, or opaque algorithms? And as AI systems grow more sophisticated, what guardrails are needed to ensure transparency, trust, and responsible use?
During the one-hour webinar, leading scholars will examine how AI is currently being used in student assessment, what research evidence suggests about its effectiveness, and what risks warrant careful attention. The discussion will balance the promise of emerging technologies with the policy and ethical considerations shaping their implementation.
The distinguished panelists include:
The conversation will be moderated by Greg Toppo, a senior writer at The 74. The webinar will open with welcome remarks from Tabbye Chavous, AERA executive director.