Job Description
The Education Secretariat is committed to equity and valuing the unique and diverse characteristics and experiences of every member of its workforce. We encourage an authentic workplace where colleagues show up as their full selves, where collaboration, innovation, and connections are key to realizing our mission that all children, youth, and families thrive socially, academically, and economically. We seek teammates who are committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive work environment, where everyone is valued and engaged. We encourage you to apply and identify your strengths in these areas.
This position would be expected to follow a hybrid model of reporting to work that combines two (2) in-office workdays and telework days as needed. The primary work location is Everett; however, the incumbent might be needed elsewhere
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The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) knows that our most important asset is our staff and that creating strong schools starts with recruiting the best talent. DESE continuously strives for a workplace that values a community of diverse talent where everyone works together to improve education for all students as outlined in our Educational Vision (mass.edu). We believe in diverse talent. A strong, innovative, and effective team has members with diverse experiences. We believe in, and work toward, equity for all protected classes. We are an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. Women, minorities, veterans, and people with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply. Our staff have the chance to lead and support work that influences over 400 school districts that serve almost 1 million learners a year. We are committed to the success of our staff and support the growth of all employees. We offer a comprehensive benefit plan that includes medical, dental, and vision coverage and competitive salaries in accordance with individuals' experience and education. Careers at DESE also include a state pension plan.
The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education's (DESE) Office for Student Assessment Services (SAS) is responsible for coordinating the development, administration, and reporting of the Commonwealth's statewide student assessment programs.
The Middle School Mathematics Test Development Specialist will be assigned to the Office of Student Assessment Services and will be supervised by the Administrator for Mathematics Test Development. The selected candidate will work with DESE staff and an external contractor to ensure content-accurate and grade-level appropriate Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) Mathematics tests.
Job Description
The Middle School Mathematics Test Development Specialist develops high-quality and standards-aligned mathematics MCAS tests for grades 6, 7, and 8 using universal design for learning (UDL) principles and cultural responsiveness in the development of all mathematics test materials.
The MCAS mathematics tests are computer-based assessments aligned to the standards in the 2017 Massachusetts Mathematics Massachusetts Curriculum Framework. The test development process includes reviewing and editing test questions prior to educator feedback; facilitating meetings with Massachusetts educators to capture critical feedback and edits; developing scoring materials; and reviewing and revising test forms constructed by the contractor. Additional test development and mathematics test design information are available on the DESE website.
The selected candidate will be provided with training and guidance on the tasks described below. It is not expected that the candidate will have experience with every facet of the position; however, there is an expectation that the candidate will have a strong mathematics education background and be a quick learner who is highly organized and able to retain and apply information.
The Middle School Mathematics Test Development Specialist will perform the following duties:
Develop mathematics MCAS tests for grades 6, 7, and 8 following protocols and provided checklists, and meet deadlines throughout the entire test development process.
Evaluate and revise mathematics test questions and scoring materials with attention to detail for content accuracy, alignment to the Massachusetts mathematics standards, equity, quality, and grade-level appropriateness.
Evaluate mathematics scoring materials, including benchmarking student responses, reviewing training materials for scorers, and selecting student work to be posted to DESE's website.
Review and edit test forms to ensure that all mathematics tests meet the requirements for large-scale assessments, including test designs and statistical criteria used to build the tests.
Participate in test construction meetings for the middle school mathematics tests to ensure the forms being developed are of high quality and free from content errors.
Facilitate mathematics Assessment Development Committees, including assisting with recruitment and selection of diverse committee members, communicating and working closely with the committee members, and recording educator feedback at the meetings.
Collaborate with other staff members in Student Assessment, including the mathematics assessment team, the publications team, the data team, and the administration team to ensure high quality mathematics tests.
Collaborate with DESE's testing contractor and provide clear and coherent feedback and direction on mathematics test content and scoring materials.
Represent the Office of Student Assessment and provide expertise in mathematics assessments to the field.
Assist other DESE staff with initiatives related to mathematics curriculum, instruction, and assessment.
Travel throughout the Commonwealth and out-of-state travel as needed.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Desired Knowledge, Skills and Experience
The successful candidate will possess:
Extensive content expertise in mathematics, as acquired through a combination of education, K-12 or higher education teaching experience in a diverse setting, and other relevant experience.
Strong knowledge and familiarity with the 2017 Massachusetts Mathematics Curriculum Framework, especially at the middle school level.
Ability to write high-quality mathematics test questions and ability to review mathematics test materials for content accuracy and grade-level appropriateness.
Proven ability to effectively facilitate meetings, lead workshops, or conduct similar activities with educators, including providing information about the middle school level standards.
Familiarity with computer-based testing, including different types of technology-enhanced test questions.
Desired Mindsets and Attributes
Demonstrated ability to multi-task, set priorities, work quickly and efficiently, and meet deadlines.
Strong organizational and critical thinking skills, as well as attention to detail and commitment to quality and accuracy.
Excellent written and oral communication skills, including the ability to communicate clear feedback and expectations to contractors or other groups.
Demonstrated ability to take initiative and to be proactive.
Demonstrated ability to be flexible with revised timelines and schedules.
Desire to be coached, receive feedback, and continually improve work products.
Demonstrated success in working as part of a team.
Excellent computer skills in Microsoft products and the ability and flexibility to quickly orient knowledge and skills to utilize new applications and tools, such as Adobe Pro.
Familiarity with using video conferencing software (Teams/Zoom).
**Questions regarding this position or the application process should be referred to Dawn.E.DeRoche@mass.gov.
Applicants must include a resume and cover letter with their submission.
Qualifications
First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.
Minimum Entrance Requirements:
applicants must have a Bachelor's degree and at least four years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, professional educational experience in a specific or related content area, educational program/or service;
a Master's degree or higher in a specific or related educational content area may be substituted for two years of the required experience -- 30 semester hours equals one year of experience for substitution purposes.
Special Requirements: Based on assignment, possession of a current and valid Massachusetts Motor Vehicle Operator's License or the equivalent from another state may be required.
An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.