Science Test Development SpecialistSummary:
Test Development Specialists for a given content area develop and deliver on time assigned content-area test items and/or assessment ancillaries. Test Development Specialists also support all
steps in the development of statewide testing programs, including the
development of item specifications, test blueprints, etc. 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 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, temporaries, item writers, item-development coordinators, and/or
other project team members. They may also work directly with their content-area
counterparts in state departments of education, including building strong
supportive relationship with state-department counterparts.
Essential Position Responsibilities:
Works directly with Senior Test Development Specialists, Project Leads, and Directors to deliver on time all assigned items, tests, and/or other assigned steps in the item and
test development process, including, but not limited to, the following:
Developing domain-specific specifications and domain-specific test blueprints
Developing domain-specific item specifications and art 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
Preferred
Qualifications
BS/BA in science, science education or related field, MS in education or related
field preferred
Minimum of three years of teaching experience K-12 science or related experience
In-depth knowledge of the science content area, including curriculum and instruction
General knowledge of test publishing industry standards
Knowledge of teaching “best practices” in the field of expertise
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
Knowledge of national and state-specific curriculum standards
Experience in writing and editing test items
Experience in constructing test forms
Basic computer skills
Must be able to travel when needed
Essential
Job Requirements:
Report to work promptly when scheduled
Be able to work under supervision and accept feedback
Familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite
Relate effectively and work respectfully with diverse work groups
Ability to consistently perform well during times of increased work load
Set and meet deadlines
Manage multiple job functions simultaneously
Other duties as needed
Reporting to this position: No direct reports
Physical
Requirements:
Ability to sit and/or stand for up to 8 hour periods of time
Ability to look at a computer monitor, utilize a keyboard and/or mouse for up to 8 hours per day
Ability to lift up to 20 pounds as necessary