Researchers from the Educational Institute at the Higher School of Economics are preparing a computer assessment designed to chart personalized educational journeys for schoolchildren. Backed by a grant from the Russian Science Foundation, the project aims to bring a data-driven approach to understanding how students grow and learn over time.
The new test is intended to pinpoint not only developmental strengths and capabilities but also areas where support is needed, helping educators tailor instruction more precisely. Experts cautioned that many existing measures risk misdiagnosis in this field and noted a shortage of high-quality Russian tools that can reliably map a child’s progress across domains. The goal is to fill that gap with a robust, culturally appropriate instrument that clinicians and teachers can trust.
According to Tatyana Kanonir, who leads the research group and holds an associate professorship at the Institute of Education within the National Research University Higher School of Economics, the current landscape includes strong tests for individual cognitive components. However, there are no widely adopted Russian standards for comparing a child’s development with peers of the same age and gender, and there is a scarcity of comprehensive assessments that combine psychological, medical, and educational perspectives. The team’s stance is clear: some children show particular strengths while others require targeted assistance, and an accurate diagnosis is the first step toward effective intervention.
The forthcoming tool is envisioned to stand alongside international benchmarks, offering a comparable framework that can be used by professionals worldwide. Its development is projected to span five to seven years, with an open invitation for psychologists who are trained to administer the test and interpret its results. The task design will be structured to prevent any ability to “teach to the test,” ensuring that outcomes genuinely reflect a child’s learning trajectory rather than test-taking strategies. When deployed, the results will guide educators in selecting the most suitable educational path and support services, aligning resources with each student’s unique developmental profile.
In the broader context of North American and European educational practices, the project aspires to contribute valuable insights into early development assessment. By emphasizing reliability, validity, and transparency, the researchers aim to foster adoption by schools, clinics, and educational networks that prioritize evidence-based planning. The initiative also envisions ongoing collaboration with international partners to refine measurement models, expand accessibility, and promote equitable access to high-quality diagnostic tools for students across diverse backgrounds.