RSSHi, my name is Bob and I’m a Test Writer
Sep 14
Charter Schools, Corporate Viewpoint, Education Reform, Standardized Testing Charter Schools, Standardized Testing 5 Comments
Of course, in this age of “education reform,” where teaching is passé and testing is the key to success, a new profession would arise…Test Writers.
Among today’s employment advertisements is a job opening for a “Test Writer,” which is part of the Department of Data and Accountability (D&A), at the Charter Management Company, known as Academy Charter Schools.
No really, I’m serious. The position is listed as being part of the Department of Data and Accountability (D&A).
Academy Charter Schools bills itself as a fast growing Charter Management Organization (CMO), “that operates 14 public charter elementary and middle schools throughout New York City.
Over the next decade, they say their network will grow to 40 schools that provide a phenomenal K-8 public education to NYC school children.
And to make that growth plan a reality, Success Charter Schools is looking for an “ambitious Test Writer.”
AMBITIOUS TEST WRITER?
Do you think they really mean ambitious or are they confused about the definition of the word?
The ad goes on to make clear that, “We assess our students on a regular basis to ensure they are learning at a very high level. From start to finish, D&A oversees how Success Academy Charter Schools understands student learning – we help create Success Academy Charter Schools’ academic benchmarks, design tests and oversee test administration. Also, by using cutting edge technology we are able to collect, store and report test data on all our students. In effect, D&A is Success Academy Charter Schools’ “one-stop-shop” for all things related to tests and testing.”
Responsibilities for the Test Writer will include:
- Designing smart, intuitive interim assessments that will clearly show floors and ceilings in student understanding.
- Analyzing student performance on tests and questions with an eye towards improving assessments.
- Implementing psychometric procedures for our testing programs.
- Overseeing all copy-editing, proofreading and formatting of test materials sent to our twelve schools.
- Closely partnering with all staff to help manage testing and ensure timely reporting.
Most importantly, the ad points out, “This position is ideal for candidates who are passionate about education…”
Those with Bachelors or Master’s degree in Quantitative Psychology and Psychometrics are encouraged to apply and the successful candidate must have a, “good understanding of what increases teacher efficacy,” although apparently no teaching experience, of any kind, is needed for the job.
And last but not least, the candidate who has that, “Beyond Z attitude,” will be most successful.
I can’t imagine a better commentary on the charter school movement.
No teaching experience, but a good understanding of what increases teacher efficacy
And that Beyond Z attitude.
Yes, definitely file this one under the “Failure is an Option” category.
