Science Test Development Specialist

Science Test Development Specialist

Summary: 

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