Test Production Specialist


Position Overview

Accessible Teaching, Learning, and Assessment Systems (ATLAS), a research center at the University of Kansas (KU), is seeking a Test Production Specialist to join the Dynamic Learning Maps® (DLM®) Test Production team. In this role, successful candidates will support the production and delivery of assessment materials for the DLM program across the English Language Arts, mathematics, and science subject areas. The Test Production team handles technical processes within our online content management system, and primary responsibilities will include assisting with the construction of high-stakes assessment forms, the application of text-to-speech to items, and ensuring accurate data management. This role requires highly organized and detail-oriented individuals, who can prioritize critical tasks effectively, with a focus on meeting established deadlines and ensuring deliverables are completed to the highest standard. The person hired for this position will be able to coordinate handoffs effectively between team members and across different functional teams to ensure seamless transitions and successful task completion.

ATLAS promotes learning and improved outcomes for all students, with a focus on students with disabilities and struggling learners. ATLAS creates technology-based learning and assessment systems that are accessible and academically rigorous. Dynamic research on skill development, assessment design, and teacher professional development informs the center’s map-based learning systems.

With a wide range portfolio of grant-funded research projects and operational alternate assessments, ATLAS is a leader in educational research and innovation. ATLAS drives progress through partnerships and collaborations with organizations that share its focus and commitment.

ATLAS is committed to creating policies and practices that foster a culture in which all employees feel they belong and can succeed.

Visit the ATLAS website to learn how the center improves the learning landscape for all students.

KU employees have great benefits!
  • 176 hours of paid vacation per year
  • 72 hours of sick leave per year
  • 10 paid holidays
  • Medical and dental insurance
  • Retirement program
  • Life and disability insurance
  • Educational and professional development opportunities

Visit the KU benefits website for more information.

KU’s excellence is a result of the rich tapestry of experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds of our faculty, staff, students, and colleagues from across our nation and the globe. At KU we invest in continuous learning and growth by creating a climate where people engage in respectful dialogue and debate and support each other’s success. We foster a culture of care where each person is valued. When people feel a true sense of belonging, we believe they are better able to reach their full potential and achieve remarkable things.

Job Description

35% - Assessment Delivery Prep
  • Populate and verify high-stakes test data for assessment windows.
  • Manage and monitor progress of multiple form reviews to ensure deadlines are met.
  • Coordinate resource efforts across various processes to streamline operations.
  • Engage in quality control activities to maintain high standards.
  • Review and report issues encountered in the test delivery engine.
  • Collaborate with external vendors to obtain required test materials.
  • Coordinate with internal stakeholders to address and resolve any operational issues.
30% - Assessment Construction
  • Enter sequential data for assessment items and stimuli into an online browser-based content management system.
  • Apply text-to-speech functionality to assessment items and stimuli.
  • Coordinate completed work across multiple functional teams within an established testlet development cycle.
  • Organize and manage assignments for external review events.
  • Create assessment test forms and collections.
25% - Data Management
  • Accurately record test data into an online data management system.
  • Assist in developing solutions to track and fulfill new data requests.
  • Monitor and analyze data patterns to ensure consistency across subject areas.
  • Collaborate with team members to identify and resolve data-related issues.
5% - Team Support
  • Develop and maintain documentation of Test Production team processes and procedures.
  • Participate in user acceptance testing (UAT) for internal software releases to ensure functionality and performance.
  • Provide support to other teams and projects as needed, contributing to cross-functional initiatives.
  • Contribute to process improvement efforts by identifying areas for enhancement and recommending solutions.
5% - Other duties as assigned.

Position Requirements

  • This is a full-time (40 hours/week), unclassified position.
  • Depending on the center’s and team’s needs, well qualified candidates may be allowed a work location that is hybrid or remote.
  • This position will be required to travel to Lawrence and/or other locations occasionally.
  • This position will require attendance at regularly scheduled meetings, onsite or through telecommunication platforms.

Required Qualifications

  1. Bachelor’s degree in a related field OR HS diploma/GED and four years of relevant experience.
  2. One (1) year of experience with data entry and reporting, as demonstrated by application materials.
  3. One (1) year of office or clerical experience, including proficiency in Microsoft Excel and other Microsoft Office applications, as shown in application materials.
  4. Strong attention to detail, demonstrated through previous work experience and application materials.
  5. Excellent oral and written communication skills, as evidenced in application materials and during interview process.

Preferred Qualifications

  1. One (1) year experience using intermediate to advanced functions in Microsoft Excel.
  2. One (1) year experience with online data management systems or content management systems.
  3. One (1) year experience navigating multiple computer applications simultaneously as demonstrated by application materials.
  4. One (1) year experience collaborating with cross-functional teams or supporting multiple projects.
  5. Six (6) months experience with quality control processes and data validation techniques.
  6. Six (6) months experience with large-scale assessments, education, or online training.
  7. Six (6) months experience analyzing data as demonstrated by application materials.

Additional Candidate Instructions

A complete application includes:
  • 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. Apply online.

Please submit your application no later than October 26, 2024 to be considered for this position. This application review begins October 10, 2024..

Contact Information to Applicants

ATLAS HR ATLASHR@ku.edu

Advertised Salary Range

$45,000; commensurate with experience

Work Schedule

M-F; 8-5

Application Review Begins

Thursday October 10, 2024

Anticipated Start Date

Monday December 9, 2024

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Posting Information

  • Posting ID:  29134BR
  • Department:  Achievement & Assessment Inst
  • Primary Campus:  University of Kansas Lawrence Campus
  • Assignment:  Hybrid
  • Reg/Temp:  Regular
  • Employee Class:  U-Unclassified Professional Staff
  • Review Begins:  10-Oct-2024

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