Test Development Specialist, Science
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 blueprintsDeveloping domain-specific item specifications and art specifications, as requiredDeveloping domain-specific style guidesDeveloping domain-specific item writer training manuals, including bias and universal design manualsFacilitating item writer workshops for a given domain or assigned projectWriting, reviewing, revising, and editing items for a given domain and/or assigned projectDeveloping scoring guidelines and rubrics for constructed-response and performance assessments and supporting range-finding activities for a given domain or assigned
projectDeveloping forms (including all steps in the forms construction process for pilot, field test, and operational) for a given domain and/or assigned testSupporting 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 ancillariesProvide 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 projectAs needed, provide support for the facilitation of state committee reviews, including content item and bias reviews, alignment studies, and standard-settingsOther duties as assigned
Preferred
Qualifications
BS/BA in science, science education or related field, MS in education or related field preferredMinimum of three years of teaching experience K-12 science or related experienceIn-depth knowledge of the science content area, including curriculum and instructionGeneral knowledge of test publishing industry standardsKnowledge of teaching “best practices” in the field of expertiseExperience working in teamsOutstanding written and oral communication skillsAbility to solve problems and find solutions to complex issues when writing, reviewing, and/or revising items and/or constructing test formsAbility to adjust to changing circumstances and direction as requiredKnowledge of national and state-specific curriculum standards Experience in writing and editing test itemsExperience in constructing test formsBasic computer skillsMust be able to travel when needed.Work on site at our Maple Grove, MN office or remote. Hybrid option available.
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 neededReporting to this position: No direct reports
