This session will delve into the concept of educational rigor, specifically focusing on crafting rigorous assessments with a focus on equity. Participants will explore what it means for an assessment to have rigor. The session will also highlight how a conventional perspective on rigorous assessment can inadvertently exacerbate the pre-existing challenges faced by certain student groups. To close the session, participants will be introduced to various assessment types and strategies aimed at challenging students academically, while also promoting equity and inclusion. At the end of the session, participants will be able to:

• Clearly define what educational rigor is, and what it is not.
• Provide examples of rigorous assessments.
• Reflect on the ways inflexible policies can exclude certain student groups.  
• Explain the ways in which authentic assessment can foster both academic rigor and inclusivity.