Assessment Developer (Mathematics)
Assessment Developers (Mathematics) are responsible for authoring innovative items and tests that involve highly-interactive learning objects such as virtual manipulatives and simulations.
We currently have vacancies for two Assessment Developers.
Important!
Carefully read the Application Requirements below for information about submitting sample assessment items along with your CV/resume. Applications without sample items will not be considered, regardless of the experience/educational background of the applicant.
Duties
- Design interactive assessment items (problems, exercises, activities, etc.) to measure students' mastery of Algebra 1 skills/concepts.
- Propose new virtual manipulatives and simulations to augment the coverage of key Algebra 1 skills and concepts, and participate in their design.
- Implement items in XML using ExploreLearning's Highly Interactive Learning Object Markup Language (HILO ML™).
- Edit and refine existing items and assessments developed by ExploreLearning staff.
- Identify and analyze component skills and concepts in Algebra 1 and their relationships to state standards.
Requirements
- Required: In-depth knowledge of Algebra 1 students and the misconceptions and difficulties they often have in learning algebra. Desirable: Familiarity with a broad range of Algebra 1 state standards and extensive experience developing diagnostic assessments for same.
- Demonstrated creativity in the use of virtual manipulatives, simulations, and/or other forms of interactive software in an assessment function.
- Excellent writing and editing skills. Desirable: Experience with authoring XML data, or at least be the kind of person who can edit HTML 'by hand'.
- Successful teaching experience in mathematics at the middle-school, high-school, and/or college level.
Education
Advanced degree in mathematics, curriculum / instruction / assessment, or instructional technology is desirable, but not as important as the experience and skills described above.
Availability
There are two content development phases, the first to start in March 2005 and the second in Fall 2005. We have need for 2 contractors in each phase, each engagement lasting approximately 3 months. Preference will be given to applicants who can participate in both content development phases. Flexible work hours are a possibility. A limited amount of additional work may be available between the two phases.
Location
ExploreLearning (http://www.explorelearning.com) is located in Charlottesville, VA. All else being equal, availability to participate in periodic on-site meetings would be a plus. Otherwise, telecommuting is entirely acceptable. All work must be performed in the US.
Application Requirements
Your C.V. / resume and any portfolio materials you would like us to consider should be sent via our online submission system. NO PHONE CALLS. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. When this posting is removed you may assume that all positions have been filled.
Along with your CV and portfolio, please submit descriptions of sample assessment item(s) that would use interactive virtual manipulatives, simulations or similar to assess key concepts / skills in Algebra 1. Be sure to clearly define the concept(s) and/or skill(s) being assessed by each item. Where appropriate, indicate how different types of responses to an item might indicate that the student is harboring a common misconception or making a common procedural error. We are especially interested in seeing your vision of how the 'big ideas' of mathematics might be assessed using manipulatives/simulations.
Examples of possible interactive assessment questions (click for screenshot):
- Use geoboard to model given fraction
- Make fraction model whose value lies between two given fractions
- Make multiple data sets matching a given box-and-whisker plot
We expect that the quality of these sample items will be the key factor in determining who we engage for the project. Make sure they are representative of your best work. Email Paul Cholmsky () if you have any questions about these requirements.
ExploreLearning.com has an extensive assortment of manipulatives/simulations for Algebra 1 topics. We encourage you to obtain a free trial to browse the collection and see examples of the kinds of interactivities that could be used as the basis for your sample assessment items.