What it is for
The Architecture Document is the internal constitution of ALiF. It says what belongs to the ecosystem, what may carry the ALiF name, and how contributions from other people and institutions are brought in. Every new instrument, course, adaptation or policy reference is expected to align with it.
Four layers
| Layer | Purpose | Rate of change |
|---|---|---|
| 1. The Standard | Defines AI literacy: components, levels, role adaptation | Slow: major versions every 3 to 5 years |
| 2. Measurement ecosystem | Instruments that measure constructs related to the Standard | Moderate |
| 3. Program ecosystem | Learning experiences that build ALiF competencies | Frequent |
| 4. Policy and governance | Institutional and government adoption | Set by adopting bodies |
Changes flow downward only. A revision to the Standard triggers review of instruments, then programs, then policies; a new instrument or program never changes the Standard. This is what lets the Standard stay stable while everything built on it adapts.
Naming and endorsement
The ALiF name signals alignment with a specific framework and a validated or validating approach. There are three endorsement tiers: ALiF Core, ALiF Endorsed and ALiF Referenced, with defined evidence for moving between them. The ALiF prefix alone is reserved for Core items.
Classifying instruments
Every instrument is classified on three independent axes, written as alignment / method / unit:
- Construct alignment: direct, complementary or adjacent to the ALiF construct.
- Assessment method: self-report, observation, performance or mixed.
- Unit of analysis: individual, team or organization (added in v1.2).
The unit of analysis matters because consent, data ownership and ethical review differ. An organization-level score cannot stand in for an individual profile, or the reverse. Each instrument is recorded using the Instrument Registry Template.
Contribution and adaptation
Developers of new instruments classify them first, then submit a registry entry. Program developers submit a profile with alignment metadata; programs are not validated for effectiveness at entry. Regional ALiF Hubs can review contributions and support local adopters. Adaptations are either localizations (permitted without review), compatible variants (need a mapping back to the canonical structure and review), or forks, which change the structure and may not carry the ALiF name.
Governance and the Advisory Council trigger
The core team currently holds decision authority over the Standard and endorsement. When two or more jurisdictions have formally adopted ALiF, a Governance Advisory Council must be set up within 12 months of the second adoption. If no second jurisdiction has adopted by February 2027, the core team will form an informal international advisory board. Adoptions are logged in the Adoption Register, which is what triggers this transition.
Licensing
The Standard and its companion documents are released under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0. The ALiF name and visual identity are protected.