Designing for Insight: Intentional, Curriculum Aligned Formative Assessment 

This keynote reaffirms the core purpose and principles of formative assessment, positioning teachers as expert decision-makers who shape learning in real time. Participants will hear about the Australian Curriculum formative assessment resources, which support educators with adaptable design processes that deepen their understanding of quality formative assessment and strengthen their professional judgement. 

The keynote demonstrates how formative assessment intentionally aligned to curriculum content creates sustainable, efficient approaches that generate meaningful insights within the rhythm of everyday classroom practice. 

The key components of formative assessment design will be unpacked, exploring how curriculum expectations inform decisions about what to prioritise, what evidence to gather, when to gather it, and how to use it to advance student learning. 

Reflective in nature, this session supports leaders and teachers to see how embedded intentional, manageable and responsive formative assessment practices strengthen teaching, clarify learning intent and inform next steps. 

Kathryn Tully is the Executive Director, Curriculum at the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA), bringing more than three decades of experience across the education sector. Beginning her career as a secondary teacher, Kathryn has held senior roles at both the Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority and the Queensland Department of Education, where she led significant curriculum, assessment and digital innovation initiatives. 

Throughout her career Kathryn has had responsibilities in curriculum and assessment across Kindergarten to Year 12 shaping curriculum implementation, co-designing resources with teachers, and delivering services that strengthen teaching and learning. She led the development of Queensland’s P–10 planning app, now supporting tens of thousands of teachers to confidently implement Version 9.0 of the Australian Curriculum, and guided state-wide work in digital learning, virtual platforms and the use of generative AI to support educators. 

At ACARA, Kathryn is committed to collaboration, innovation and a clear national vision: ensuring every young Australian benefits from a worldclass curriculum. She is passionate about equity, excellence and partnering with teachers, leaders and communities to bring curriculum to life in every classroom.