Test Development Specialist, Science

Data Recognition Corporation; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Data Recognition Corporation is seeking a Test Development Specialist in the science domain to lead and support the item development process for statewide assessments. You will work with Senior Test Development Specialists and Directors to plan, assign tasks, and ensure timely delivery of items, tests, and ancillaries.

The role requires implementing domain-specific specifications, item and art specs, bias reviews, and standard-settings, while collaborating with state education counterparts and

Qualifications

• BS/BA in science or science education required; MS preferred.
• Minimum of three years of teaching experience (grades 6-8 or high school).
• Knowledge of content standards and curriculum standards.
• Experience with test item development and editing processes.
• Familiarity with standard-setting and bias reviews is beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Deliver on time all assigned test items and ancillaries for content area.
• Develop domain-specific specifications, blueprints, item specs, and style guides.
• Facilitate item writer workshops and support scoring guidelines and rubrics.
• Assist with test form development and alignment studies as needed.
• Support final reviews, sign-offs, and committee reviews operations.

Skills

BS/BA in science

MS in education

Teaching experience

Curriculum knowledge

Microsoft Office

Google Workspace

Education

BS/BA in science, science education or related field

MS in education or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Google Workspace

Job description

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 and provide guidance to support staff, including freelance contractors, temporary workers, 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 relationships 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 test forms 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 grades 6-8 and/or high school science or related experience
• In-depth knowledge of the 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 and independently
• 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
• Strong computer and organizational skills

Essential Job Requirements

• Report to work promptly when scheduled
• Be able to work under supervision and accept feedback
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite and Google Workspace
• Relate effectively and work respectfully with diverse work groups
• Ability to consistently perform well during times of increased workload
• Set and meet deadlines
• Manage multiple job functions simultaneously
• Be able to participate in business travel
• 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

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.

Data Recognition Corporation is an affirmative 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.

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