The Achievement & Assessment Institute (AAI) at the University of Kansas exists to improve the performance of students, adults and public agencies throughout local, state and national communities.

The Institute includes eight centers, which represent a diversity of services and programs:

• Accessible Teaching, Learning and Assessment Systems,
• Agile Technology Solutions,
• Center for Assessment and Accountability Research and Design,
• Center for Creativity and Entrepreneurship Education,
• Center for Educational Opportunity Programs,
• Center for Educational Testing & Evaluation,
• Center for Public Partnerships & Research,
• Center for Montessori Research.

AAI and its centers partner with numerous agencies to improve the lives of children and adults through academics, employment, career advancement and building healthy environments, as well as to enhance the capacity of organizations that help children, adults and communities succeed.

AAI was established in 2012 through the merger of the Center for Educational Testing and Evaluation, established in 1983, and the Institute for Educational Research and Public Services, established in 1997. Both organizations have long track records of successfully building partnerships and programs that support the achievement of young children, school-aged children, adults and publicly funded agencies.

Effective July 1, 2013, AAI was recognized by KU’s Office of Research and Graduate Studies as one of just 12 designated university research centers and institutes.

As part of its mission, AAI also provides KU faculty support and encouragement related to research in improving the performance and enhancing the achievements of students, adults and public-sector agencies. The Institute and its four centers also provide opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students to obtain valuable research and on-the-job employment experience while at KU.