Description

Position Overview

Accessible Teaching, Learning, and Assessment Systems (ATLAS), a research center at the University of Kansas (KU), is seeking a Test Development Coordinator for our Science Test Development team. The Test Development Coordinator will support and guide the production of operational, standards-based assessments by participating in test development efforts. These efforts span from initial item authoring to final operational test form construction. The Test Development Coordinator 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 as described by curricular standards 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. Therefore, expertise and the ability to provide thought leadership to other members of the science team with regard to these principles in an assessment context is a plus.

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 diverse 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
• 96 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.

The successful candidate must be eligible to work in the U.S. by the effective date of the appointment.

KU is not able to provide H-1B sponsorship for this position.

Job Description

55% - Ensure expectations for validity, fairness, and quality assurance for items are met. Activities may include:

• Reviewing and refining vendor and/or internally created items in accordance with internal and external deadlines.
• Leading projects to develop task models/construct definitions based in Evidence Centered Design principles and guiding the Science team to apply them consistently when reviewing items.
• Helping to resolve external, expert feedback on test items and test forms.
• Designing training for item writers, internal staff, and external reviewers.
• Contributing to the identification, analysis, and improvement of existing processes and documentation to improve content validity.

35% - Coordinate and organize test development efforts, processes, and documentation. Activities may include:

• Collaborating on test and item designs for innovative science assessments.
• Coordinating workflow for science content at multiple stages of the test development process.
• Managing the test item pool.
• Assembling and/or reviewing field test and operational test forms to meet blueprint, test design, and psychometric criteria.
• Contributing to the identification, analysis, and improvement of existing processes and documentation to improve efficiency or meet best practice standards.
• Preparing, reviewing, and editing test blueprints, performance level descriptors, responses to RFPs, and technical reports.
• Collaborating with the psychometric and technology teams to create ancillary testing materials, such as interpretive guides, score reports, and website documents.

5% - Contribute subject matter expertise to grant-funded projects led by Lead Researchers and Principal Investigators.

5% - Special projects/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 requires travel to Lawrence and/or other locations as needed, depending on the needs of the center and team.
• This position will require attendance at regularly scheduled meetings, onsite or through telecommunication platforms.

Due to complex state employment laws, the University of Kansas may be unable to hire fully remote workers for this position outside of Kansas. Specifically, we cannot currently offer employment to candidates residing in the following states: California, Delaware, Idaho, and Minnesota. We appreciate your understanding and invite interested individuals from eligible states to apply.

Required Qualifications

1. Bachelor's degree in a hard science (physical science, life science, Earth and space sciences), science education, or related field and 3 years standardized assessment development experience OR master's degree in a hard science, science education, or related field and at least 2 years of standardized assessment development experience.
2. At least one year of experience incorporating the Next Generation Science Standards to instruction, curriculum, or assessment in physical science, life science, or Earth and space sciences as evidenced by application materials.
3. At least one year of experience designing or developing standardized assessments in an item management system that collects evidence of student mastery of curricular standards as evidenced by application materials.
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.
5. Excellent written communication skills in English as evidenced by application materials.

This position requires a formal degree in the cited discipline area(s) to ensure that candidates have advanced knowledge, analytical skills and professional competencies necessary to perform the duties of the position. The level of degree is commonly recognized as the standard qualification for similar roles in the public and private sector, ensuring that the university remains competitive with industry aligned practices, enhances collaboration with external partners, and supports the delivery of services and programs that meet professional and market-driven expectations.

Additional Candidate Instruction

A complete application includes:

• University of Kansas 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.

Application review begins Monday, October 6th and will continue until a qualified pool of applicants is identified.

Disclaimer

The University of Kansas prohibits discrimination 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, and genetic information in the university's programs and activities. Retaliation is also prohibited by university policy. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies and procedures and is the Title IX Coordinator for all KU and KUMC campuses: Associate Vice Chancellor for the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX, civilrights@ku.edu, Room 1082, Dole Human Development Center, 1000 Sunnyside Avenue, Lawrence, KS 66045, 785-864-6414, 711 TTY. Reports can be submitted by contacting the Title IX Coordinator as provided herein or using the Title IX online report form and complaints can be submitted with the Title IX Coordinator or using the Title IX online complaint form.