Authentic Assessment and Learning Experiences in the Age of AI
Jun 27, 2026 9:00AM—3:00PM
Location
The Harker School - Upper School Campus
Cost Early Bird Pricing available until May 23 - $75
Categories Conference, Curriculum & Pedagogy, In-Person, Intensive, School Leaders, Staff, Summer Institute, Teachers
Authentic Assessment and Learning Experiences in the Age of AI
In collaboration with The Harker School, this institute features keynote speaker Dr. Sabba Quidwai, CEO of Designing Schools and a UC Irvine lecturer who helps leaders design human-centered, technology-driven learning systems rooted in empathy. Together, we’ll reimagine assessment for the AI era by designing multimodal, process-focused, and equitable assessments that surface student thinking, growth, and real learning beyond polished final products.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
Join us for a transformative professional development experience focused on designing authentic assessments and learning experiences that honor diverse learners and respond to our evolving educational landscape. In an era where AI can generate polished final products in seconds, this institute will help educators reimagine assessment by focusing on the learning process, multimodal demonstrations of understanding, and equitable practices that allow every student to authentically showcase their knowledge and skills. Now more than ever, educators must shift their focus from evaluating final products to understanding and assessing the thinking, problem-solving, and growth that happens along the way. This institute will equip you with strategies to design assessments and experiences that capture authentic learning in ways that AI cannot replicate.
WHAT YOU'LL EXPLORE
Throughout this collaborative workshop, participants will:
- Reimagine assessment in the age of AI by focusing on process over product—documenting thinking, iteration, collaboration, and skill development
- Design multimodal assessments that allow students to demonstrate learning through various modalities including verbal presentations, visual representations, hands-on demonstrations, written reflections, digital creations, and performance tasks
- Create inclusive assessment practices that provide multiple pathways for all students to authentically demonstrate their knowledge and skills, regardless of learning differences, language backgrounds, or access needs
- Develop process-focused evaluation tools such as learning journals, progress portfolios, peer feedback protocols, and reflection frameworks that capture growth over time
- Explore student choice and voice in assessment design, allowing learners to select formats and approaches that best showcase their strengths
- Build authentic tasks that require students to apply knowledge in real-world contexts where the process of problem-solving is as valuable as the solution
WHAT YOU'LL TAKE AWAY
By the end of the day, you'll leave with:
- Ideas for multimodal assessment
- Rubrics and protocols that evaluate learning processes, not just products
- Strategies for making assessment accessible and authentic for all learners
- Practical approaches for navigating AI in your assessment design
- Connections with colleagues and renewed energy for transforming your practice
INTENDED AUDIENCE
This institute is designed for K-12 teachers across all subject areas, instructional coaches, and curriculum leaders who are committed to creating equitable, meaningful, and future-ready assessment practices.
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Dr. Sabba Quidwai | CEO and Futurist | Designing Schools
Dr. Sabba Quidwai is a speaker, author, and advisor who helps visionary leaders design human-centered systems that are technology-driven. As the CEO of Designing Schools and a lecturer at the University of California, Irvine, Sabba blends research-backed strategy with real-world application. A former high school educator, and Education Executive at Apple, Sabba has been researching the future of learning and AI since 2014. Her book and documentary Designing Schools explore how design thinking helps people lead through change with confidence and creativity. She believes cultures of innovation begin with cultures of empathy, where people feel seen, heard, and empowered to grow.
Sabba’s signature message? Innovation begins with empathy.
PLANNING TEAM
Lisa Diffenderfer brings over 30 years of teaching and leadership expertise to her role as TK-12 Director of Learning, Innovation, and Design at The Harker School in San Jose. A passionate advocate for meaningful learning experiences, she also co-leads the K-5 Sustainability Team and Tournament of Books Committees. In all of her roles, Lisa focuses on creating innovative pedagogy that engages and inspires students across all grade levels. She has shared much of her work at local and national conferences and is excited to bring her insights and collaborative spirit to this year's Harker Teacher Institute.
Lisa Diffenderfer brings over 30 years of teaching and leadership expertise to her role as TK-12 Director of Learning, Innovation, and Design at The Harker School in San Jose. A passionate advocate for meaningful learning experiences, she also co-leads the K-5 Sustainability Team and Tournament of Books Committees. In all of her roles, Lisa focuses on creating innovative pedagogy that engages and inspires students across all grade levels. She has shared much of her work at local and national conferences and is excited to bring her insights and collaborative spirit to this year's Harker Teacher Institute.
Lisa Diffenderfer brings over 30 years of teaching and leadership expertise to her role as TK-12 Director of Learning, Innovation, and Design at The Harker School in San Jose. A passionate advocate for meaningful learning experiences, she also co-leads the K-5 Sustainability Team and Tournament of Books Committees. In all of her roles, Lisa focuses on creating innovative pedagogy that engages and inspires students across all grade levels. She has shared much of her work at local and national conferences and is excited to bring her insights and collaborative spirit to this year's Harker Teacher Institute.
HOST AND PARTNER SCHOOL
We are thrilled to partner with The Harker School on this Summer Institute, welcoming the larger independent school community on their campus for a day of learning and collaboration.
Cancellation Policy
Life happens. We understand that there will be times when you cannot attend a workshop that you have registered and paid for. We strive to be as helpful and flexible as possible when things out of your control happen. Please visit our FAQ page for detailed information about our cancellation policy and answers to frequently asked questions about enrollment and membership.