Manager, Speaking Test Development

***Please submit Resume and Cover Letter when applying***

The Center for Applied Linguistics is a nonprofit organization promoting access, equity and mutual understanding for linguistically and culturally diverse people around the world.

The mission of the Center for Applied Linguistics (CAL) is to promote language learning and cultural understanding by serving as a trusted source for research, resources, and policy analysis. Through its work, CAL seeks solutions to issues involving language and culture as they relate to access and equity in education and society around the globe.

CAL is located in Washington, D.C. For this position, the employee may choose to work in their preferred combination of in person at the D.C. office in a hoteling capacity, or remotely (up to 100% remote). CAL does not compensate or reimburse candidates for relocation expenses. This position is not open to candidates residing in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Texas, California, or the U.S. Territories.

Job Description

The Manager, Speaking Test Development, is responsible for overseeing the development of Speaking test items and ancillary materials for the WIDA suite of assessments, which are large-scale English language proficiency assessments for multilingual learners in grades 1-12. This position involves reviewing, revising, and approving test items (linguistic content, graphics, scripts, audio files) that align to the WIDA English Language Development Standards Framework, with a focus on the language domain of Speaking.

The Manager, Speaking Test Development, oversees the test development process from start to finish. This position develops test refreshment plans, timelines, and procedures; provides comprehensive feedback to test developers; and signs off on test items content at critical points in the development process. This position also collaborates with the Manager, Rater Training, to oversee the creation of scoring materials for the Speaking test.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Item Development

• Manage test development staff who write, review, revise, and select Speaking test items based on item specifications, test maps, and blueprints
• Evaluate test items for appropriate task setup and design, linguistic complexity, grade-level appropriateness, content correctness, universal accessibility, appropriate scaffolding, fairness, sensitivity, and adherence to style guides
• Give clear, constructive, and timely feedback to test developers on test item text, graphics, and layouts using test item specifications
• Sign off on test item content at the end of each phase of the item development cycle
• Work in close collaboration with managers and directors across functional teams and partner organizations to coordinate efforts
• Collaborate on the production of project plans and timelines for test item development in coordination with client and other vendors and oversee their implementation
• Oversee the development and revision of item specifications and sign off on revisions
• Oversee the creation of training materials to prepare external reviewers
• Ensure test development staff provide content, administrative, and technical support for external reviewers
• Lead meetings during which stakeholders review the content, fairness, and grade-appropriateness of test items and ensure stakeholder feedback on test items is resolved
• Work with test development staff and audio recording studio to cast actors and produce recordings for Speaking test items, overseeing recording sessions and quality monitoring
• Write, review, and edit written reports, procedures, and foundational documents for internal and external stakeholders
• Update and maintain style guides and item development checklists
• Ensure test development staff follow quality control and test security procedures

Field Testing and Research

• Coordinate, conduct, and sign off on quality checks of field test QTI packages and ancillary materials
• Review and update field test functional rules
• Oversee the qualitative analysis of Speaking field test responses and report findings to internal teams and external stakeholders
• Conduct research, e.g., pilot testing and cognitive lab interviews, in support of test development

Rater Training and Scoring

• Collaborate on research and development work for scoring materials related to the Speaking test, including rubrics, rater training presentations and courses, and other scoring guidance
• Support the selection of anchor and training responses
• Review score justifications and score appeals, as well as qualifying, recalibration, and validity sets
• Synthesize information from the scoring of Speaking tasks for use in future development

Operational Test and Database Management

• Review test maps, test forms, ancillary documents, test practice items, and sample items for the public
• Write, review, and maintain test and item design plans
• Review and maintain the Speaking Test Construct Framework document
• Ensure accuracy of data in test item databases

Supervision

• Set functional team goals and expectations for Speaking test development
• Monitor progress and performance of staff completing Speaking test development tasks
• Mentor test development staff in their job duties and professional development
• Fulfill administrative responsibilities related to hiring/retention and performance reviews

Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

A Manager, Speaking Test Development must have:

• A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, in a relevant field, with at least five years of relevant experience, or
• A Master’s degree from an accredited college or university, in a relevant field, with at least two years of relevant experience.
• Expertise in the development of large-scale spoken English language proficiency assessments for K-12 multilingual learners.

The Manager, Speaking Test Development must have: 

• Experience supervising the development of test items in a high-stakes context.
• Experience managing complex assessment projects.
• Deep familiarity with the spoken language that K-12 multilingual learners must be able to produce to be successful in U.S. school settings.
• Experience teaching K-12 multilingual learners in U.S. school contexts.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

 The Manager, Speaking Test Development must have:

• Apply their understanding of multilingual learners’ English language development in speaking, and of K-12 education standards and practices to the development of language proficiency test items.
• Coordinate remote staff across multiple tasks to meet deadlines and quality control expectations.
• Provide constructive, clear feedback that both improves test items and builds staff understanding and skills.
• Understand complex test designs with multiple interconnected parts.
• Work independently with minimal support/supervision.
• Prioritize tasks appropriately, meet deadlines, and work well within a collaborative, fully remote team.
• Attend closely to details without losing sight of the bigger picture.
• Demonstrate flexibility in responding to feedback and evolving project priorities.
• Show leadership to attain team goals.
• Bring both analytical and creative approaches to problem solving.

The ideal candidate for the Manager, Speaking Test Development also has:

• Exemplary writing, editing, and proofreading skills in English.
• Familiarity with using style guides (including the Chicago Manual of Style).
• Excellent organization, planning, and time management skills.
• Strong oral and interpersonal communication skills.
• Proficiency in a language other than English.
• At least intermediate proficiency with Microsoft Office and Smartsheet, or other work management platforms.

Travel Requirements

• This position requires occasional travel (1-3 times per year).

COMPENSATION:

Minimum Salary: $77,250 ; Benefits eligible

Full-time

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to effectively communicate. The employee may be required to sit or stand in a stationary position for 50% of the time. This position constantly operates a computer and other office productivity equipment. CAL adheres to ADA compliance and guidelines as a common practice.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

This job description summarizes the main duties of the job. It neither prescribes nor restricts the exact tasks that may be assigned to carry out these duties. This document should not be construed in any way to represent a contract of employment. Management reserves the right to review and revise this document at any time.

AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYMENT STATEMENT

The Center for Applied Linguistics (CAL) provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, CAL complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

CAL expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Improper interference with the ability of CAL employees to perform their job duties may result in discipline up to and including discharge.