Test Development Specialist - 24507BR

Test Development Specialist

Department: 
Achievement & Assessment Inst
Location/Division: 
University of Kansas Lawrence Campus
Work Location Assignment: 
Hybrid
Reg/Temp: 
Regular
Employee Class: 
U-Unclassified Professional Staff

Position Overview

Accessible Teaching, Learning and Assessment Systems (ATLAS) is seeking a test development specialist for our mathematics 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 mathematics 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 mathematics 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 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. Our broader state assessments include the Kansas Assessment Program and the Kansas English Language Proficiency Assessment.

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. We actively encourage applications from members of underrepresented groups.

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:
  • 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 is a full-time (40 hours/week), unclassified position.
  • This position allows for a telework or hybrid work location for well-qualified candidates.
  • A telework 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

  1. Bachelor’s degree in mathematics, education, or related field, OR High School Diploma/GED one year of teaching, large-scale assessment, or curriculum development experience.
  2. At least one year of experience applying knowledge of the next generation curricular standards to instruction, curriculum, or assessment.
  3. Excellent oral and written communication skills in English as evidenced by application materials and interview.
  4. 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.

Preferred Qualifications

  1. Graduate degree in mathematics, education, or related field.
  2. At least one year of teaching and/or assessment experience with elementary school students and/or students with special needs.
  3. At least one year of experience with content management systems or quality control procedures.

Additional Candidate Instructions

A complete online application includes:
  • Résumé
  • Cover letter detailing your professional experiences that aligns with the required and preferred qualifications
  • Names and contact information for three professional references.
Only complete applications will be considered.

Review of applications will begin on 03/07/2023. To ensure first consideration, please apply by 03/07/2023.

Contact Information to Applicants

Latrina Collins ATLAS-Admin@ku.edu

Advertised Salary Range

$50,000 minimum, commensurate with experience

Work Schedule

M-F; 8-5

Application Review Begins

07-Mar-2023

Anticipated Start Date

17-Apr-2023

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Posting Information
Posting ID:
24507BR
Department:
Achievement & Assessment Inst
Primary Campus:
University of Kansas Lawrence Campus
Work Location Assignment:
Hybrid
Reg/Temp:
Regular
Employee Class:
U-Unclassified Professional Staff
Application Review Begins:
07-Mar-2023