GL Education, a subsidiary of Renaissance, a UK-based global leader in educational assessments, offers innovative solutions that use learning analytics to transform education. By simplifying the assessment process, GL Education empowers educators to save valuable time while delivering personalized learning experiences tailored to each student. Schools worldwide trust GL Education to evaluate student abilities and provide data-driven insights for effective instruction, with a core mission of improving teaching, enhancing student outcomes, and supporting administrators in driving academic success.
As a prominent provider of assessment, reading, and math solutions for pre-K–12 schools in the U.S. and years 1–13 in the U.K., GL Education is committed to equipping educators with the insights and tools needed to accelerate student growth. With its solutions utilized in over 100 countries, GL Education helps students build a strong academic foundation for long-term success.
GL Education’s product portfolio includes a range of powerful tools designed to enhance education at every level. Star Assessments provide reliable and accurate insights into K–12 student learning, while myIGDIs offer precise assessments for early learners. myON increases access to high-quality reading materials, and Accelerated Reader supports independent reading practice. Freckle enables teacher-led differentiated instruction, and Schoolzilla provides educators with actionable data on student attendance and achievement. Over 2.8 billion real-world data points drive the development of these products, ensuring that GL Education remains at the forefront of student learning analytics.
In an exclusive conversation with The Interview World, Chris Lapping, International Consultant at GL Education, highlighted the company’s role in preparing students for international examinations and discussed its success in the Indian market. He also elaborated on specialized assessments designed for students with special needs. The key insights from this conversation reflect GL Education’s ongoing commitment to empowering educators and improving academic outcomes for students worldwide.
Q: Can you clarify the specific assessment services or solutions Renaissance and GL Education offer to the global student community and how these offerings benefit students?
A: At Renaissance and GL Education, we empower schools with assessments and practice tools designed to unlock the full potential of every student. By providing data-driven insights, we also equip educators with the resources needed to drive personalized learning and enhance student outcomes.
Q: What types of assessments do you provide for students, and which international exam formats do you prepare them for?
A: Absolutely. We offer a comprehensive range of assessments that begin by evaluating students’ cognitive abilities and reasoning skills, which are critical for effective teaching and learning. Additionally, we provide attainment assessments in key subjects such as English, math, science, and well-being. Importantly, we also offer specialized assessments for students with special educational needs. These tools enable teachers and schools to tailor their curriculum planning and implement targeted support and interventions, ensuring every student has the opportunity to succeed.
Q: Are these assessments conducted specifically for international students, and are your solutions directly connected with international assessment organizations?
A: Our assessments, including the Star Assessments, seamlessly integrate with our practice solutions. For example, the Star Assessment in English directly connects to myON, which enhances students’ access to high-quality reading materials. Based on the reading results, myON recommends texts that match each student’s reading level.
Similarly, the Star Maths Assessment links to Freckle, our practice platform designed to strengthen students’ math skills. This connection allows educators to focus on specific areas for improvement identified in the assessments, ensuring that each student receives targeted support to enhance their mathematical abilities.
Q: What is the global market size for assessment tools, and do you have any insights or estimates on its scale?
A: The assessment market is expansive, and GL Education holds a significant position in the Southeast Asian region. Numerous international schools, especially British international schools, widely utilize our assessments. However, our reach extends even further. Our assessments are curriculum-neutral, making them suitable for schools offering various educational frameworks, including the IB, Cambridge, US, and CBSE curricula.
Q: How do you perceive the Indian market for products from your country, and what potential do you see for growth?
A: The Indian market is experiencing rapid growth for us. Over the past two years, we have witnessed significant interest from schools eager to collaborate. Furthermore, our CAT4 product drives this surge in interest.
Q: How many schools have already adopted your products, and how many are currently seeking solutions like yours?
A: In India, we currently partner with approximately 50 schools that utilize our assessment solutions, and this number continues to grow as we expand our presence in the market. To further engage with schools, we are hosting a series of Insight Days. Next week, we will be in Mumbai and Hyderabad, inviting schools to explore our various assessment and practice solutions.
Q: What types of assessments and programs do you offer for special education teachers and students with special needs? Do you have specific solutions tailored for these students?
A: The CAT4 assessment is an effective tool for identifying children with learning needs. It highlights students who may require further investigation. For instance, within our SCND portfolio, we offer assessments designed to diagnose dyslexia, enabling schools to pinpoint specific reading needs. Additionally, we provide math assessments that identify dyscalculia in students, further supporting their educational development.
