Test Development Specialist, English Language Arts (ELA)

Data Recognition Corporation; United States; Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental & vision insurance

401(k)

Paid time off

Disability insurance

Life insurance

Job summary

Data Recognition Corporation is seeking an ELA Test Development Specialist to support all steps in statewide test development, including content passages, items, and test blueprints. You will work with senior staff to plan workflows and may supervise contractors and item writers.

The role is based in Maple Grove, MN, with hybrid or remote options considered. Candidates should have a BS in education (MS preferred), at least three years of ELA teaching experience, and strong knowledge of

Qualifications

• Three years minimum teaching experience in English Language Arts at elementary, middle, or high school level or related experience.
• Strong knowledge of English Language Arts curriculum and instruction.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills; ability to work in teams.

Responsibilities

• Deliver on-time items, tests, and steps in item and test development processes under supervision.
• Develop domain-specific item/ passage specifications, blueprints, and style guides.
• Support item writers, reviewers, and trainers; facilitate writer workshops as needed.
• Assist with final reviews and sign-offs of test materials and ancillaries.
• Coordinate with education departments and project staff to ensure aligned development schedules.

Skills

ELA Teaching Experience

Team collaboration

Written and oral communication

Problem-solving

Willingness to travel

Education

BS in Education or related field

MS in Education or related field preferred

Job description

DRC is one of the largest educational assessment and curriculum/instruction companies in the industry.

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 plans
  • Developing domain-specific specifications and domain-specific test blueprints
  • Developing domain-specific item specifications and passage 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
• This 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 preferred
• Minimum of three years of teaching experience in English Language Arts at the elementary, middle school or high school level or related experience
• In-depth knowledge of English Language Arts, including curriculum and instruction
• General knowledge of assessment trends and test publishing industry standards
• Knowledge of teaching "best practices" in English Language Arts
• Experience working with special populations is a plus, e.g., English language learners or special education
• 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
• Willingness to travel for periods lasting up to one week

Preferred

• Knowledge of national and state-specific curriculum standards
• Experience in writing and editing test items
• Experience in constructing test forms
• Basic computer skills

Essential Job Functions

• Report to work promptly when scheduled
• Be able to work under supervision and accept feedback
• Relate effectively and work respectfully with diverse work groups
• Ability to consistently perform well during times of increased workload
• Set and meet deadlines

Benefits

DRC offers a comprehensive benefits program that allows employees to make choices that best meet their current and future needs. We offer many benefits, including medical, wellness, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k), flexible spending and health savings accounts, short and long-term disability insurance, and life insurance. DRC also offers a generous paid time off policy and community service leave.

Equal Opportunity

Data Recognition Corporation is an AffirMitive Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

Salary

The salary range is a guideline. Compensation will be based on skills, knowledge, and experience.