Policy research center for test development and assessments

In Flanders, policy research centers are collaborations between universities and the Flemish government. The primary goal for these policy research centers is to provide scientific support for public policy in a given domain. The policy research center for test development and assessments (STEP) is an inter-university cooperation between the KU Leuven and the University of Antwerp. The management agreement between the Flemish Ministry of Education and Training and STEP runs from 2018 to 2022. STEP does not only carry out national assessments, but is also responsible for parallel tests.The consultation of the Flemish Ministry of Education and Training and the Flemish educational field happens by means of two conference bodies. First, in the follow-up group the Flemish Ministry of Education and Training and the Flemish educational field are represented. There is one follow-up group for primary education and one for secondary education. They each meet four times a year. Second, the steering committee is responsible for policy decisions that relate to STEP. This committee meets three times a year.