Position: Instructional Specialist - Test Development

Position Summary:

Under the direction of the Instructional Supervisor of Internal Assessments, the Instructional Specialist – Test Development performs specialized testing and research work in the development of assessments for the Department of Testing, Research and Evaluation developed assessments in various content areas.  The work performed involves collaborating with content specialists to ascertain curriculum with the appropriate standards and creating reliable, valid assessments the results of which can be used as outcome benchmarks.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Reviews commercial test item banks for appropriate content and applicability to the testing program;
• Oversees the banking of test items and selecting of test items and selecting items for each assessment;
• Uses various platforms to analyze test data and produce ad hoc reports;
• Uses scoring/scanning programs and is able to troubleshoot problems with school test coordinators
• Manages the development, preparation, printing and distribution of answer sheets and test booklets;
• Devises strategies for helping teachers and school-based staff use the test results to plan/revise instruction;
• Understands the operation of instructional programs at the elementary, middle and high school levels;
• Analyzes, interprets, and reports test findings and maintains effective relationships with employees and school officials;
• Provides training and support to schools regarding all aspects of the testing program; and
• Performs related work as required.

Qualifications:

• Considerable knowledge of testing techniques, methods and strategies;
• Strong technology skills, familiar with online testing, adept in Microsoft Office;
• Experience with administering testing programs
• Thorough understanding of test instruments and the training for administration of such instruments; and
• Excellent communication skills both orally and in writing.

Education and/or Experience Requirements:

Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in educational measurement, psychology, statistics or a related field required.  A minimum of five (5) years of successful instructional experience with test/assessment development.

Certification:

Holds or is eligible for a valid professional license in Administrator I (historical) or Supervisor of Instruction, Assistant Principal, or Principal issued by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE).  

Supervisory Responsibilities:

No direct supervisory responsibilities.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, talk, hear, walk, sit, and use fingers, tools or controls. The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision such as to read handwritten or typed material, the ability to adjust focus, and depth perception. While performing the duties of this job, the employee may occasionally push or lift up to 25 lbs.

Working Environment:

The work environment characteristics are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the job.

Additional Information:

None.