Job Summary : This position will :
- Produce the multiple deliverables required for each step of the cycle. Key annual activities are to organize all aspects of educator committees, write new test items, review test data, proof and ensure the accuracy of all test materials, develop all training and support materials for test users, provide online and in-person professional development, ensure that the development schedules are kept, and ensure adequate organization and maintenance of paper and electronic files;
- Work with ADE assessment staff, ADE content experts, and all vendors supporting test development;
- Do the work needed to continue the administration, enhancement, and accessibility of online tests in a way that supports all students as they test, and educators as they prepare for and administer the tests;
- Collaborate in the planning and execution of all state required EL test activities and must work with school districts and charter schools statewide to ensure that the assessment system is appropriately developed, administered; and
- Work with educational staff statewide to ensure the accurate, timely, and well-informed administration of EL assessments.
- Occasional in-state travel is required for this position.
The Arizona Department of Education currently utilizes a hybrid work environment, with up to two days of remote work (contingent upon business needs). Candidates should apply with an ability and willingness to work in-office up to five days per week as business needs necessitate.
Job Duties :
Work on continuous online and paper-and-pencil test development and the development of new items aligned to the revised English Language Proficiency (ELP) StandardsDevelop and deliver training on the appropriate use and application of EL assessmentsWork with educator committees to improve the EL assessment program by improving test items and test designWork with ADE departments, especially the Office of English Language Acquisition Services, to incorporate the use of EL assessments to inform improved educational outcomes for EL and former EL studentsMaintain test-development, training, and educator committee schedules and their related paper and electronic filesWork to align with other assessments within the assessment division to coordinate and align tests, test administration, and accommodationsKnowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs) :
Knowledge in :
Test administration proceduresTest security standardsTest development cycleBasic language development principles and linguisticsEL student abilities and needsELP standards-based assessmentsAppropriate use of language testing resultsFederal and state laws and rules that govern the assessment of ELsTechnology-based testingProject managementEvent coordinationA Bachelor's degree from an accredited university, preferably in Education or equivalent experience to substitute for the degree, is requiredSkills in :
Work management and work prioritizationProofreading, fact checking, and editing content to make sure grammar, syntax, and punctuation are used correctlyAnalysis, review, and evaluationApplying critical thinking when determining program efficacyOral and written communication techniquesInterpersonal relationshipsMulti-tasking / managing numerous projects while executing project detailOrganizing and maintaining efficient filing systems and schedulesTeaching / providing professional development to educatorsAdvanced skills in using Microsoft Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, and ExcelIntermediate skills with database useAbility to :
Effectively and diplomatically communicateIndependently manage projectsUnderstand and use highly technical, specialized knowledge and dataCollect / review / analyze dataEstablish and maintain effective working relationshipsTest English fluency with accuracyUtilize technology for testingUnderstand the 'big picture' in a project while simultaneously being detail-orientedUtilize time management skills and multi-taskCommunicate effectively in large-group instruction and one-on-one interactionsCommunicate and deal effectively, professionally, and diplomatically with Local Education Agency (LEA) educators / administrators on monitoring issuesSelective Preference(s) :
Knowledge in :
Test administration proceduresTest security standardsTest development cycleBasic language development principles and linguisticsEL student abilities and needsELP standards-based assessmentsAppropriate use of language testing resultsFederal and state laws and rules that govern the assessment of ELsTechnology-based testingProject managementEvent coordinationA Bachelor's degree from an accredited university, preferably in Education or equivalent experience to substitute for the degree, is requiredSkills in :
Work management and work prioritizationProofreading, fact checking, and editing content to make sure grammar, syntax, and punctuation are used correctlyAnalysis, review, and evaluationApplying critical thinking when determining program efficacyOral and written communication techniquesInterpersonal relationshipsMulti-tasking / managing numerous projects while executing project detailOrganizing and maintaining efficient filing systems and schedulesTeaching / providing professional development to educatorsAdvanced skills in using Microsoft Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, and ExcelIntermediate skills with database useAbility to :
Effectively and diplomatically communicateIndependently manage projectsUnderstand and use highly technical, specialized knowledge and dataCollect / review / analyze dataEstablish and maintain effective working relationshipsTest English fluency with accuracyUtilize technology for testingUnderstand the 'big picture' in a project while simultaneously being detail-orientedUtilize time management skills and multi-taskCommunicate effectively in large-group instruction and one-on-one interactionsCommunicate and deal effectively, professionally, and diplomatically with Local Education Agency (LEA) educators / administrators on monitoring issuesPre-Employment Requirements :
Offers are contingent upon successful completion of all background and reference checks, required documents and, if applicable, a post-offer medical / physical evaluation.If this position requires driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job to conduct State business, then the following requirements apply :
All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).
Benefits :
The State of Arizona provides an excellent comprehensive benefits package including :
Affordable medical, dental, life, and short-term disability insurance plansTop-ranked retirement and long-term disability plansTen paid holidays per yearVacation time accrued at 4.00 hours bi-weekly for the first 3 yearsSick time accrued at 3.70 hours bi-weeklyPaid Parental Leave-Up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster / adopted child (pilot program).Deferred compensation planWellness plansLearn more about the Paid Parental Leave pilot program . For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our
Retirement :
You will be required to participate in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS) upon your 27th week of employment, subject to waiting period. On or shortly after, your first day of employment you will be provided with enrollment instructions and effective date.