With considerable sadness, IEA notes the passing of Al Beaton on Tuesday, 8 March 2022. Al Beaton was instrumental in the design and coordination of the first TIMSS study cycle in 1995 at Boston College, where he served as the Director of the Center for the Study and Testing, Evaluation, and Educational Policy.
After earning a Doctorate in Education from Harvard University, Al Beaton began his career with Educational Testing Services (ETS). During his 27 years at ETS, Al held an esteemed role as the Director of Data Analysis for the Educational Opportunities Survey. In addition to the work conducted for ETS, Al taught as a guest lecturer at world-renowned institutions such as Princeton, Harvard, Stanford, and Trinity College.
He was the Professor Emeritus at the Lynch School of Education, Boston College, and was named International Study Director for TIMSS 1995. Al has contributed to IEA as Chair of the IEA Technical Advisory Committee, where he collaborated with colleagues and provided great knowledge to IEA. He was later named Honorary Member at IEA and has been honored with a host of awards throughout his career, including the NCME Award for technical contribution to educational measurement.
Al is survived by his wife, Joan G. (Flaherty) Beaton, and son Douglas L. Beaton. Our thoughts are with his family at this time.
Executive Director, Dr Dirk Hastedt:
"I would like to extend my deepest condolences for Al's passing on behalf of IEA. He was a highly respected member of IEA and an asset to the Technical Advisory Committee. He will be remembered for the instrumental work carried out during his career, achievements, and accolades. I send my deepest sympathies to his family."