Test Development Specialist, Science

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 relatedfield 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 retains the right to change or assign other duties to this position