Event Wrap-Up: AERC Hosts Sarah Hughes & Ellen Barrow

The Assessment & Evaluation Research Centre (AERC) recently hosted a Brown-Bag seminar, “Evolving High Stakes English Language Tests: Engaging Stakeholders in Research and Development,” led by Sarah Hughes and Ellen Barrow, focusing on the recent renovation of the Pearson Test of English (PTE).

The session highlighted research underpinning the updates to PTE, demonstrating how these revisions ensure the test remains relevant, reliable, and fair for candidates and score users worldwide.

Key discussion points included:

• The role of field testing, surveys, and interviews in informing refinements to the PTE experience
• Findings from score concordance and standards research to maintain continuity across test versions
• The development of support resources for test takers and institutions during the transition
• The importance of stakeholder engagement in guiding responsible evolution of high-stakes assessments

The event emphasised that while the PTE’s renovation improves test design, it also ensures candidates and score users are supported through change, maintaining the trust of universities, governments, and professional organisations.

AERC thanks Sarah Hughes and Ellen Barrow for their insights, and acknowledges the participation of attendees who contributed to the discussion.

To access a recording of the session, please contact AERC at AERC-info@unimelb.edu.au.