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Humans
Sara Cooper, Ed.D.
Reimagining Assessment as a Caring Practice
I believe assessment should be more than a measure—it should be a caring practice that affirms identities and brings joy to learning. With over 19 years of experience in education, I specialize in creating wayfinding experiences, embracing student perspectives, co-designing with communities, and building strong relationships.
My work focuses on transforming how we approach assessment, ensuring it creates opportunities to build relationships and showcase each learner's unique potential. I’ve led state-level education initiatives, developed equitable science assessment systems, and collaborated closely with educators and leaders to design meaningful, identity-affirming learning experiences.
Through this work, I aim to inspire assessments that don’t just evaluate but connect, support, and celebrate every learner. Together, we can sit beside one another as learners and imagine a future where assessment brings out the best in everyone.