Manager, Speaking Test Development

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).

Employment type
Full-time

Work arrangement
Yes