Research Topics

ETS provides assessments and related services to address the need for more effective teaching and learning at all levels of education. As a nonprofit, mission-driven organization, we continually seek to improve our assessment capabilities — and to advance the field of educational measurement — through research in a number of areas. These areas include:

Adult Literacy >

Our researchers are interested in how well adults use written information to function in society, achieve their goals and develop their knowledge and potential.

Assessing People with Disabilities >

We conduct research with the aim of ensuring that tests are fair and valid for individuals with disabilities.

Automated Scoring and Natural Language Processing >

We develop technology to improve the scoring of today’s assessments and prepare for the next generation of assessments.

The CBAL™ Initiative: Innovation in K–12 Assessment >

Through our long-term Cognitively Based Assessment of, for, and as Learning (CBAL™) research initiative, we hope to improve approaches to K–12 accountability assessment.

English Language Learning and Assessment >

Learn about our research into the foundations of English language learning and assessment worldwide and in U.S. grades K–12.

Policy Research >

Our Policy and Evaluation Research Center conducts research and evaluations on public policy-related issues in education.

Reading for Understanding >

In collaboration with other institutions, our research teams are working on the assessment strand of the U.S. Department of Education-funded Reading for Understanding Initiative.

Understanding and Enhancing Teaching >

We are working to develop and improve measurements of teachers’ knowledge and effectiveness.