Language Testing Specialist

Center for Applied Linguistics; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 67,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits eligible

Job summary

Center for Applied Linguistics seeks a Language Testing Specialist to develop, review, and revise test items for WIDA ACCESS and Screener, serving multilingual learners in grades 1-12. You will align items to standards, implement stakeholder feedback, and ensure quality control before live administration.

The role requires collaboration across teams, strong English writing and editing skills, and the ability to manage multiple tasks with attention to detail.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field with 2+ years of experience; or Master’s degree in a relevant field.
• Experience working with K-12 English learners (ELs) in U.S. school contexts, grades K-5, preferred.
• Experience developing multiple choice and constructed response test items for K-12 students.

Responsibilities

• Research and write test items aligned to item specifications and revise based on feedback from test development content managers.
• Evaluate, review, and revise test materials, providing feedback to consultants and team members on item development.
• Write and refine graphics descriptions to support student comprehension of test items.
• Prepare materials for internal and external reviews of test materials.
• Coordinate item development tasks with external consultants to ensure timely delivery.

Skills

Test item development

K-12 ELs experience

Item writing

Graphic descriptions

English writing/editing

Adobe InDesign

MS Office

Education

Bachelor’s in relevant field

Master’s in relevant field

Tools

Adobe InDesign

MS Office

Job description

Company Description

The Center for Applied Linguistics is a nonprofit organization promoting access, equity and mutual understanding for linguistically and culturally diverse people around the world.

The mission of the Center for Applied Linguistics (CAL) is to promote language learning and cultural understanding by serving as a trusted source for research, resources, and policy analysis. Through its work, CAL seeks solutions to issues involving language and culture as they relate to access and equity in education and society around the globe.

CAL is located in Washington, D.C. For this position, the employee may choose to work in their preferred combination of in person at the D.C. office in a hoteling capacity, or remotely (up to 100% remote). CAL does not compensate or reimburse candidates for relocation expenses. This position is not open to candidates residing in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Texas, California, or the U.S. Territories.

Job Description

The Language Testing Specialist plays a critical role in developing, reviewing, and revising test items for WIDA ACCESS and WIDA Screener, large-scale English language proficiency assessments for multilingual learners in grades 1-12.

This position involves development of test items (linguistic content, graphics descriptions, scripts) that align to the WIDA English Language Development Standards Framework; implementing stakeholder feedback on the items; conducting qualitative analyses of student responses to items; conducting internal reviews, proofing, and mock administrations of test materials; selecting training responses for use in scoring; and quality control checks of test items prior to delivery and live administration.

Essential Duties

• Research and write test items aligned to item specifications and revise based on feedback from test development content managers
• Evaluate, review, and revise test materials and documents, including providing feedback to both external consultants and fellow team members on test item development
• Write and refine graphics descriptions to support student comprehension of test items
• Evaluate and track changes to graphics for content accuracy and grade-level appropriateness
• Prepare materials for internal and external reviews of test materials
• Coordinate item development tasks of external consultants (theme generators, item writers, standards experts, etc.) to ensure timely delivery of test items
• Incorporate item feedback from project managers, clients, and other subject matter experts (standards experts, bias/sensitivity & content reviewers, etc.) at multiple stages of development
• Analyze data from small scale pilot activities with new items; use teacher and student feedback to make revisions
• Analyze and interpret field test data to inform revisions to items or new item development
• Communicate and collaborate within and across teams throughout the test development process
• Adhere to quality control procedures for print and computer-delivered items
• Prepare and maintain files and records (summary reports, electronic notes, spreadsheets, etc.)
• Write and revise test item specifications
• Maintain test item database
• Prepare training samples, annotations, and scoring notes for raters of speaking and writing responses

Qualifications

Education and Experience

A Language Testing Specialist must have:

• A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, in a relevant field, with at least two years of relevant experience; OR
• A Master’s degree from an accredited college or university, in a relevant field.

The ideal candidate for this role has:

• Experience working with K-12 English learners (ELs) in U.S. school contexts, particularly in grades K-5.
• Experience teaching English to speakers of other languages (e.g., ESL, ESOL, ELD).
• Experience developing multiple choice and constructed response test items for K-12 students.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

A Language Testing Specialist must be able to:

• Apply their understanding of English language development and K-12 education standards and practices to the development of language proficiency test items and tasks
• Work independently with minimal support/supervision
• Prioritize tasks appropriately, meet deadlines, and work well within a collaborative team
• Attend closely to details without losing sight of the bigger picture
• Demonstrate flexibility in responding to feedback and evolving project priorities

The ideal candidate for this role has:

• Excellent writing, editing, and proofreading skills in English
• Excellent organization, planning, and time management skills
• Strong oral and interpersonal communication skills
• Proficiency in a language other than English
• Proficiency with Adobe InDesign and Microsoft Office

Travel Requirements

• This position may require occasional travel (1-2 times per year).

Additional Information

Compensation

Minimum Salary: $61,285.00; Benefits eligible

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to effectively communicate. The employee may be required to sit or stand in a stationary position for 50% of the time. This position constantly operates a computer and other office productivity equipment. CAL adheres to ADA compliance and guidelines as a common practice.

This job description summarizes the main duties of the job. It neither prescribes nor restricts the exact tasks that may be assigned to carry out these duties. This document should not be construed in any way to represent a contract of employment. Management reserves the right to review and revise this document at any time.

AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYMENT STATEMENT

The Center for Applied Linguistics (CAL) provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, CAL complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

CAL expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Improper interference with the ability of CAL employees to perform their job duties may result in discipline up to and including discharge.