Science Item Writer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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