In 2014, The Enrollment Management Association launched the research and development plan for the new The Enrollment Management Association Character Skills Assessment (CSA). Currently in development—in conjunction with the Educational Testing Service (ETS), the country’s premier test development company, and 32 independent schools—the CSA will aim to measure non-cognitive attributes in applicants to The Enrollment Management Association member schools.

Representatives of the G32 pilot schools group reconvened in Princeton earlier this summer to meet with psychometricians from The Enrollment Management Association and ETS. The goal was to discuss the results of the research that had taken place since the original white paper was written, including item pretesting and one-on-one research conducted directly with students (dubbed “cognitive labs”). In addition, the G32 schools discussed key operational considerations, as we aim to launch the CSA officially in the fall of 2017.

“As we explore areas like integrity, self-control, and critical thinking skills, our schools must be involved in identifying and developing the right tools to explore and measure these constructs, and the G32 schools have dedicated student and classroom time for the benefit of our industry,” said Heather Hoerle, The Enrollment Management Association’s Executive Director.“The next year is sure to bring some exciting developments as the G32 schools help us refine and launch this first-of-its-kind assessment.”
The next round of beta testing among the G32 schools is rolling out this fall. During this phase of the research, applicants to G32 schools will take the CSA, in addition to students currently enrolled. Look for The Enrollment Management Association’s fall Testing Brief, which will provide more in-depth coverage on the development and rollout of the CSA.