Test Development Specialist Jobs

ATLAS is seeking one or more test development specialists for our English Language Arts (ELA) test development team. The test development specialist will support the production of operational, standards-based assessments by participating in test development efforts. These efforts span from initial item authoring to final operational test form construction. The test development specialist will primarily focus on ensuring that ELA assessment items support valid interpretations of test scores, adhere to industry best practices, and appropriately elicit observable evidence of targeted cognition for both general populations and for students with the most severe cognitive disabilities.
Successful applicants will demonstrate deep and thorough expertise with the next generation ELA standards and will be familiar with a range of either classroom approaches and/or standardized assessment approaches to collecting evidence of student mastery of curricular standards. ATLAS applies principles of Evidence Centered Design (ECD) to its test design and development processes, and therefore familiarity and expertise in these principles in an assessment context is a plus.
Accessible Teaching, Learning and Assessment Systems (ATLAS) promotes learning and improved outcomes for all students and their educators. Our primary focus is supporting students with disabilities and struggling learners. We create technology-based learning and assessment systems that are accessible and academically rigorous.
We specialize in map-based learning systems, informed by research on skill development, assessment design, and teacher professional development. Every program and project in our diverse portfolio of operational and grant-funded research strategically aligns with our student- and educator-focused mission. Our work is also supported by multiple strategic partnerships with organizations that share our focus and commitment to quality learning experiences for all students.
In addition to grant-funded research projects, ATLAS develops and delivers state assessments. Our largest assessment system is the Dynamic Learning Maps® (DLM®) Alternate Assessment System. DLM alternate assessments are designed to assess students with the most significant cognitive disabilities in English language arts, mathematics, and science. We also offer custom social studies alternate assessments. Among our grant-funded projects are programs aimed at general population students and students with significant cognitive disabilities in grades K-2.
ATLAS does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, ancestry, disability, status as a veteran, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, gender identity, gender expression, or genetic information. As an organization, ATLAS is committed to creating policies and practices that foster a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work environment in which all employees feel they belong and can succeed.
KU offers great benefits to employees with up to 176 hours of paid vacation per year, 72 hours of sick leave earned per year, nine paid holidays plus one discretionary day, a retirement program, medical & dental insurance, life and disability insurance, other benefit plan options and State of Kansas discounts offered by various vendors. KU also offers employees educational and professional development opportunities. KU is a great place to work! See benefits.ku.edu for more details.

85% - Assist with test development efforts across a cyclical, end-to-end process. Activities may include:

• Help resolve external reviewer and client feedback on test items and test forms.
• Help with the development of construct definitions and task models grounded in Evidence Centered Design.
• Assist with training item writers to bolster a shared understanding of the target testing populations and interpretations of curricular standards.
• Facilitate discussions of item content with external experts under the mentorship of senior test development professionals and a test development manager.
• Create, review, and refine items to meet high standards of alignment and quality, in accordance with internal and external deadlines.
• Assist with test construction activities.

10% - Assist with document preparation and organization relevant to test development processes for technical and non-technical audiences. Activities may include:

• Draft portions of technical reports, non-technical reports, and instructional supports.
• Contribute to the drafting of training and onboarding plans for both staff and external contributors.
• Document approaches, processes and lessons learned in real time.

5% - Other duties as assigned

A complete application includes:

• Names and contact information for three professional references.
• Online application
• CV or resume
• Cover letter detailing your professional experiences that align with the required and preferred qualifications.

Only complete applications will be considered.
Review of applications will begin on 04/14/2023 and continues until a qualified pool of applicants is identified.

Lauren Shull [email protected]

$54,000 minimum, commensurate with experience

M-F; 8-5

Friday April 14, 2023

Monday May 22, 2023

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