Test Development Specialist, English Language Arts (ELA)

Data Recognition•Minneapolis, MN

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

ELA Test Development Specialists support all steps in the development of statewide testing programs, including the development of content-specific assessment passages and items, item specifications, test blueprints, and ancillary materials. They also support the development of statewide testing programs by facilitating committee reviews, including bias reviews, item-data reviews, standard settings, and alignment studies. They work directly with Senior Test Development Specialists, Managers, and Directors of Test Development to help plan and organize the flow of work for assigned assessment items or sections of projects. As needed, they assign tasks to support staff, including freelance contractors, passage and item writers, item-development coordinators, and/or other project team members. They may also work directly with content-area counterparts in state departments of education with the expectation of building strong, client-focused relationships.

Requirements

BS in education or related field
Minimum of three years of teaching experience in English Language Arts at the elementary, middle school or high school level or related experience
In-depth knowledge of English Language Arts, including curriculum and instruction
General knowledge of assessment trends and test publishing industry standards
Knowledge of teaching “best practices” in English Language Arts
Experience working with special populations is a plus, e.g., English language learners or special education
Experience working in teams
Outstanding written and oral communication skills
Ability to solve problems and find solutions to complex issues when writing, reviewing, and/or revising items and/or constructing test forms
Ability to adjust to changing circumstances and direction as required
Willingness to travel for periods lasting up to one week
Report to work promptly when scheduled
Be able to work under supervision and accept feedback
Relate effectively and work respectfully with diverse work groups
Ability to consistently perform well during times of increased workload
Set and meet deadlines

Nice To Haves

MS in education or related field preferred
Knowledge of national and state-specific curriculum standards
Experience in writing and editing test items
Experience in constructing test forms
Basic computer skills

Responsibilities

Works directly with Senior Test Development Specialists, Project Leads, Managers, and Directors to deliver on time all assigned items, tests, and/or other assigned step in the item and test development process, including, but not limited to, the following:
Developing domain-specific item development plans
Developing domain-specific specifications and domain-specific test blueprints
Developing domain-specific item specifications and passage specifications, as required
Developing domain-specific style guides
Developing domain-specific item writer training manuals, including bias and universal design manuals
Facilitating item writer workshops for a given domain or assigned project
Writing, reviewing, revising, and editing items for a given domain and/or assigned project
Developing scoring guidelines and rubrics for constructed-response and performance assessments and supporting range-finding activities for a given domain or assigned project
Developing forms (including all steps in the forms construction process for pilot, field test, and operational) for a given domain and/or assigned test
Supporting the development of test ancillaries for a given domain (test directions, practice tests, etc.)
Provide support for the final review process for assigned items and/or other items and tests, including ancillaries
Provide support for the final sign-off of printers’ proofs and/or other steps requiring test development sign-off, including directory of test specifications as needed for a given domain or assigned project
As needed, provide support for the facilitation of state committee reviews, including content item and bias reviews, alignment studies, and standard-settings
Other duties as assigned