ASPIRE for Excellence in Student Assessment: Developing a quality programme of assessment

A critical component of all programmes of instruction in Medical and Health Professions Education (MHPE) disciplines is the assessment of learning and assurance of clinical competency, spanning knowledge, clinical/technical performance skills, and professionalism. AMEE's ASPIRE-to-Excellence assessment framework draws together a series of key, evidence-based components of comprehensive assessment systems, providing a matrix to 'assess assessment' through the following stimulus questionsHow does an assessment programme serve and support the mission of the institution and the goal of MHPE globally in enhancing and improving the health of both populations and individuals?Does the assessment programme support, enhance, and create learning opportunities?How does the assessment programme ensure the competence of students as they progress?How is the assessment programme subject to a rigorous and continuous quality control process?How does the assessment programme demonstrate a commitment to scholarship and innovation, including the dissemination of good practice? In this paper, these elements are detailed together with descriptions of strategies that align with how each can be successfully demonstrated and evidenced. Drawing on details of assessment practices seen in a range of submissions to the ASPIRE award programme, from a range of jurisdictions and settings, the paper highlights strategies that align with success for excellence in assessment.