WIDA Assessment Content Specialist Job at University of Wisconsin in Madison

Job Summary:

The Assessment Content Specialist position is located within the WIDA Assessment department and will report to the Assessment Content Manager. This position will be responsible for contributing to test development within WIDA focusing on:

• Reviewing and providing feedback on test content for ELLs in grades K-12 in all language domains (Listening, Reading, Speaking, and Writing) as the test content moves through various stages of development.
• Participating in formal test content review meetings with educators and test development vendors.
• Developing training resources for educators who administer and/or score the suite of WIDA English language assessments for K-12 students.

Remote work is an option for this position on a voluntary basis; however, it is important to note that this role is headquartered in Madison, WI, and the tasks of the position require occasional work-related travel. If working remotely out-of-state, travel back to UW-Madison would not be reimbursable, and other business travel will require cost comparisons between your home and Madison, WI.

UW Travel Policy and Remote Work Policies outline business travel requirements for fully remote employees, and WIDA is committed to supporting employees with their business travel and minimizing or eliminating out-of-pocket expenses whenever possible. Please review UW Remote Work Policy UW-5087, in particular, Section III, Part G which addresses an employee's Headquarters Location. We will be happy to support and address questions about remote work or travel during the interview process.

WIDA operates in a Windows-based environment, and a Dell PC laptop will be issued for use in this role. Software and virtual connection tools that are critical to our work dictate that WIDA staff work on a PC.

Responsibilities:

• 55% Assists with the design and development of assessment content, both with internal colleagues and with vendors, including reviewing testing materials, making necessary revisions to items, and recommending items to be replaced or rearranged on pilot or operational forms.
• 20% Assists with the creation and refinement of assessment scoring and assessment administration materials.
• 15% Participates in annual quality-control processes to ensure on-time and accurate delivery of one or more assessment programs.
• 10% Supports other internal stakeholder groups in providing training on one or more assessment programs.

Education:

Required: Bachelor's Degree

Preferred: Master's Degree in the field of Education, Linguistics, or TESOL preferred.

Qualifications:

Required:

• Minimum 2 years' experience with large-scale proficiency language test development in English.
• Strong background in language assessment as a reviewer, editor, developer, scorer, and trainer.
• Experience creating ancillary materials for the development of language assessments.
• Experience understanding statistics to evaluate test items and make recommendations.
• Experience teaching multilingual learners from various backgrounds.
• Experience with course/lesson plan design, curriculum development, and content creation.
• Experience performing content reviews and providing constructive feedback to item writers.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

Preferred:

• Experience developing language assessments for K-12.
• Familiarity with the WIDA Standards and assessments.

Work Type:

Full Time: 100%. It is anticipated this position will be remote and requires work be performed at an offsite, non-campus work location.

Appointment Type, Duration:

Ongoing/Renewable

Salary:

Minimum: $70,000 ANNUAL (12 months) Depending on Qualifications. This position offers a comprehensive benefits package, including generous paid time off, competitively priced health/dental/vision/life insurance, tax-advantaged savings accounts, and participation in the nationally recognized Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) pension fund.

How to Apply:

Please click on the "Apply Now" button to start the application process. As part of the application process, you will be required to submit:

• A cover letter describing how your experience and qualifications meet the requirements of this position.
• A current resume or CV.
• A list of at least three professional references, including contact information.

Contact:

Kelly Krahenbuhl
humanresources@wida.us
Relay Access (WTRS): 7-1-1. See RELAY_SERVICE for further information.

Official Title:

Academic Assessment Specialist (TL036)

Department(s):

A17-SCHOOL OF EDUCATION/WCER

Employment Class:

Academic Staff-Renewable

Job Number:

310414-AS

The University of Wisconsin-Madison is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, including but not limited to, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, or status as a protected veteran and other bases as defined by federal regulations and UW System policies. We promote excellence through diversity and encourage all qualified individuals to apply.