2024 marked a year of transformation and innovation for FocalPoint, and to reflect on the journey, we asked Stephen Murphy, Chief Operating Officer, and Maria D’Brot, Vice President of Design and Innovation, to share insights into the milestones, challenges, and vision that shaped the year.

We asked Stephen about his first year at FocalPoint and what drew him to the role. Stephen shared, "Stepping into the role of Chief Operating Officer has been both an honor and a privilege. With a long history in large-scale assessment, I was drawn to FocalPoint’s mission of empowering educators with the tools and insights they need to make a difference. What’s inspired me most is the team’s commitment to excellence and innovation. It’s a culture that fosters collaboration and creativity, which has been critical as we navigate the evolving educational landscape."

We then asked Maria how the team’s culture played a role in FocalPoint’s success this year. Maria explained, "A high-functioning, collaborative team is the backbone of any successful organization. At FocalPoint, our culture emphasizes trust, communication, and innovation. This has allowed us to respond effectively to the unique needs of our partners and create solutions that truly make an impact. It’s this internal strength that enables us to be a good partner externally, and I’m incredibly proud of the work we’ve done together."

When asked about the importance of data and how FocalPoint has leveraged it this year, Stephen emphasized, "Data is more than just numbers on a spreadsheet; it’s the lifeblood of informed decision-making. When educators can trust the data they’re given, they can identify trends, celebrate successes, and address challenges with confidence. At FocalPoint, we take pride in being a solution that meets the unique needs of districts, states, and partners. The flexibility we have with technology allows us to customize reporting, assessments, and data integration in ways that support educators and help them achieve their goals."

Maria added, "Exactly. In 2024, we’ve seen the power of this firsthand. For example, our Feedback Aide tool has revolutionized essay grading by providing tailored feedback, and our Psychometric Studio ensures fairness and equity in assessments. These tools are about more than efficiency—they’re about empowering educators with the right information to create thriving learning environments."

We also asked Stephen about the partnerships that have been a focus for FocalPoint this year and how these collaborations have influenced the work. Stephen noted, "Partnerships have been incredibly rewarding. This year, we worked with states to provide a common assessment framework for their statewide tutoring programs, ensuring consistency and reliability in how student progress is measured. We’ve also supported districts in navigating complex data governance challenges and customized tools to align with specific policy requirements. Being a good partner starts within our own walls. By fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation internally, we’re able to respond effectively to the needs of those who rely on us."

Maria agreed, "It’s not just about providing tools; it’s about co-creating solutions with our partners. The trust they place in us inspires us to push boundaries and deliver meaningful results. These collaborations amplify the impact of our work and help us better serve students, families, and educators."

On the subject of the Psychometric Studio, Stephen explained, "The Psychometric Studio has been a cornerstone of our efforts this year. It’s designed to streamline complex psychometric processes, combining cutting-edge tools with the expertise of our team to deliver accurate, actionable insights. From classical test theory to adaptive testing, the studio exemplifies the intersection of technology and human expertise. As we continue to enhance this capability, we’re positioning FocalPoint as a leader in secure and innovative psychometric services."

When asked about what excites them for 2025, Maria shared, "One initiative I’m particularly excited about is a new blog series Stephen and I will co-develop. It will explore key themes shaping the future of education, including the role of technology in assessments, strategies for fostering equity and accessibility, and the importance of balancing policies, practicality, and processes. It’s a way for us to share insights, spark dialogue, and inspire innovation across the education community."

Stephen added, "Yes, and beyond the blog series, I’m optimistic about the future of education as a whole. The challenges are significant, but so are the opportunities. Together with our partners, we’re creating a future where high-quality, timely data empowers every stakeholder to make a difference."

Reflecting on the year, Stephen concluded, "Reflecting on this year, I’m reminded of the words of a wise educator: ‘The best way to predict the future is to create it.’ At FocalPoint, we’re honored to play a part in creating a brighter future for education—one where every student has the opportunity to succeed."

Maria echoed his sentiment, "I couldn’t have said it better. Here’s to the possibilities ahead and to another year of making an impact, together."