Test Development Specialist, English Language Arts (Ela)

ELA Test Development Specialist

Summary

Test Development Specialists for English Language Arts 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.

Position 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 plansDeveloping domain-specific specifications and domain-specific test blueprintsDeveloping domain-specific item specifications and passage 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 assignedThis position will be based in our Maple Grove, MN headquarters, although hybrid and/or remote candidates will be considered.

Qualifications

BS in education or related field, MS in education or related field preferredMinimum of three years of teaching experience in English Language Arts at the elementary, middle school or high school level or related experienceIn-depth knowledge of English Language Arts, including curriculum and instructionGeneral knowledge of assessment trends and test publishing industry standardsKnowledge of teaching "best practices" in English Language ArtsExperience working with special populations is a plus, e.g., English language learners or special educationExperience 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 requiredWillingness to travel for periods lasting up to one week

Preferred

Knowledge of national and state-specific curriculum standardsExperience in writing and editing test itemsExperience in constructing test formsBasic computer skills

Essential Job Functions

Report to work promptly when scheduledBe able to work under supervision and accept feedbackRelate effectively and work respectfully with diverse work groupsAbility to consistently perform well during times of increased workloadSet and meet deadlines