Test Development Specialist
Position Overview
ATLAS is seeking a test development specialist for our science team. The test development specialist will support the production of operational, standards-based assessments by participating in test development efforts, from initial writing to final operational test form construction. The test development specialist will primarily focus on ensuring that science 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 science 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.
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.
Successful applicants will demonstrate deep and thorough expertise with the next generation science 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.
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.
Job Description
85% - Assist with test development efforts across a cyclical, end-to-end process. Activities may include:
10% - Assist with document preparation and organization relevant to test development processes for technical and non-technical audiences. Activities may include:
5% - Other duties as assigned
- Creating, reviewing, and refining items to meet high standards of alignment and quality, in accordance with internal and external deadlines
- Helping to resolve external reviewer and client feedback on test items and test forms
- Assisting with test construction activities
- Facilitating discussions of item content with external experts under the mentorship of senior test development professionals and a test development manager
- Assisting with training item writers to bolster a shared understanding of the target testing populations and interpretations of curricular standards
10% - Assist with document preparation and organization relevant to test development processes for technical and non-technical audiences. Activities may include:
- Contributing to the drafting of training and onboarding plans
- Documenting approaches, processes and lessons learned in real time
- Helping with the development of task models
- Drafting portions of technical reports, non-technical reports, and instructional supports
5% - Other duties as assigned
Position Requirements
- This position allows for a remote or hybrid work location for well-qualified candidates. A remote position may be required to travel to Lawrence up to four times per year.
- This position will require attendance at regularly scheduled meetings, onsite or through telecommunication platforms.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in a hard science (physical science, life science, or Earth and space sciences), education, or related field AND one year of teaching, large-scale assessment, or curriculum development experience.
- At least one year of experience applying knowledge of the next generation curricular standards to instruction, curriculum OR assessment in physical science, life science, or earth and space sciences.
- At least one year of experience using technology including Microsoft Office products, Skype, Zoom, and/or other web-based systems as evidenced in application materials.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills in English as evidenced by application materials and interview.
Preferred Qualifications
- Graduate degree in a hard science, education, or related field.
- At least one year of experience teaching and/or assessment experience with elementary school students and/or students with special needs.
- At least one year of experience working in content management systems or working with quality control procedures.
Additional Candidate Instructions
A complete application includes:
Only complete applications will be considered.
Review of applications will begin on 05/15/2023 and continues until a qualified pool of applicants is identified.
- Online application
- CV or resume
- Cover letter detailing your professional experiences that align with the required and preferred qualifications.
- Contact information for three professional references.
Only complete applications will be considered.
Review of applications will begin on 05/15/2023 and continues until a qualified pool of applicants is identified.
Contact Information to Applicants
Lauren Shull ATLAS-Admin@ku.edu
Advertised Salary Range
$50,000 minimum; commensurate with experience
Work Schedule
M-F, 8-5; occasional evening or weekend work may be needed
Application Review Begins
Monday May 15, 2023
Anticipated Start Date
Monday June 19, 2023