Dr. John R. Allen

Dr. John Reginald Allen has worked extensively in Australia and across the world to support education development. He has led, directed and managed certification and assessment authorities. His technical skills include a systems approach to practices and social inequities in curriculum, assessment and examinations; developing and implementing change; the principles, methods and practices of externally-moderated school-based assessment; and quality regulation of education at all levels. He has extensive experience applying known techniques to new contexts in nuanced ways as well as developing new ways to look at existing problems. 

He has a PhD and Master of Educational Studies from the University of Queensland. He taught in secondary schools in a wide range of subjects. His first degree (BSc) was in pure mathematics, which has given him a foundation from which to use a wide range of modern quantitative techniques in statistics, including modern psychometrics. He also has a substantial background in qualitative research techniques. His PhD reflected this, using both quantitative and qualitative approaches.

His approach to assessment and examinations is grounded in experience and understanding of the practicalities – managerial, technical and leadership – of large-scale testing and examinations systems, which are subject to a wide range of pressures from the public, parents, students, employers and government. His practical experience is both informed by and informs theoretical insights.