SELLEST OSAST
In this episode of Chalk and Code, host Theron Davis sits down with Dr. Nathan Thompson, Chief Executive Officer of Assessment Systems Corporation, to explore how assessment science is evolving in an era shaped by AI, adaptive testing, and increasing demands for integrity and personalization.
Dr. Thompson explains what psychometrics really is, why it underpins high-quality assessment, and how computerized adaptive testing works in practice. The conversation dives into how AI is changing item development, test security, and cheating detection, and why human expertise is still essential even as automation advances.
With more than two decades in the assessment industry, Dr. Thompson shares how Assessment Systems Corporation helps organizations modernize testing, from certification and licensure to large-scale educational and workforce assessments.
Key Moments
01:03 Meet Nathan Thompson and the work of ASC
02:36 What psychometrics is, and why it matters
04:14 Computerized adaptive testing explained
06:17 What score changes really mean, and why “small gains” can mislead
08:10 Assessment literacy, and interpreting results responsibly
11:08 What ASC does, and what “full service” assessment support looks like
32:16 Cheating, new item types, and test forensics
34:37 Detecting disengagement and response-time effort
41:17 Micro-credentials, digital badges, and the future of skills validation
44:26 What’s next for assessment over the next 5–10 years
46:34 Why personalization is coming back in a big way
48:01 How to connect with Nathan
Why You’ll Love This Episode
This conversation offers a clear look at what’s behind modern assessments, and why the future of testing will depend on both smarter technology and stronger guardrails. If you’re building learning products, designing credentials, or relying on test data to make decisions, Nathan’s perspective helps connect psychometrics, adaptive testing, and AI into a practical, real-world view of where assessment is headed.
Connect with Nathan Thompson
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathanthompsonasc
Website: https://assess.com/
Connect with Us
Company’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flexion-inc
Company Website: https://flexion.us/
If this conversation sparked a new idea or challenged your assumptions, share this episode with a colleague and subscribe for more thoughtful discussions at the intersection of learning, leadership, and educational technology.
Join us next time on Chalk and Code, where the science of learning meets modern technology.
