Test Development Coordinator – Accessibility

Position Overview

Accessible Teaching, Learning, and Assessment Systems (ATLAS), a research center at the University of Kansas (KU), is seeking a Test Development Coordinator (TDC) for our Accessibility Test Development team. The TDC will support the production of operational, standards-based assessments by participating in test development efforts. These efforts span from initial item authoring to final operational test form construction. The TDC will primarily focus on ensuring that all our assessment items support valid interpretations of test scores, adhere to industry best practices, and appropriately elicit observable evidence of targeted cognition for both general populations and for students with the most significant cognitive disabilities by contributing expertise with test accommodations and accessibility best practices.

Successful applicants will demonstrate deep and thorough expertise with the student populations. They will also have a general understanding of next generation academic and curricular standards for multiple content areas (Mathematics, English Language Arts, Science and Social Studies). They will be familiar with a range of classroom or standardized assessment approaches to collecting evidence of student mastery of curricular standards, particularly for students with cognitive disabilities.

ATLAS applies principles of Evidence Centered Design (ECD) to its test design and development processes, and therefore familiarity and expertise in these principles in an assessment context is a plus.

ATLAS promotes learning and improved outcomes for all students, with a focus on students with disabilities and struggling learners. ATLAS creates technology-based learning and assessment systems that are accessible and academically rigorous. Dynamic research on skill development, assessment design, and teacher professional development informs the center’s map-based learning systems.

With a diverse portfolio of grant-funded research projects and operational alternate assessments, ATLAS is a leader in educational research and innovation. ATLAS drives progress through partnerships and collaborations with organizations that share its focus and commitment.

ATLAS is committed to creating policies and practices that foster a culture in which all employees feel they belong and can succeed.

Visit the ATLAS website to learn how the center improves the learning landscape for all students.

• 176 hours of paid vacation per year
• 72 hours of sick leave per year
• 10 paid holidays
• Medical and dental insurance
• Retirement program
• Life and disability insurance
• Educational and professional development opportunities

Visit the KU benefits website for more information.

• This is a full-time (40 hours/week), unclassified position.
• This position requires travel to Lawrence and/or other locations as needed, depending on the needs of the center and team.
• This position will require attendance at regularly scheduled meetings, onsite or through telecommunication platforms.

• Bachelor’s degree in special education, psychology, or related field and 3 years standardized assessment development experience OR Master’s in special education, psychology, or related field and at least 2 years of standardized assessment development experience.
• At least three years of experience working with populations with significant cognitive disabilities.
• At least three years of experience using technology including Microsoft Office products, Zoom, and/or other web-based systems as evidenced in application materials.
• Excellent written communication skills in English as evidenced by application materials.

This position requires a formal degree in the cited discipline area(s) to ensure that candidates have advanced knowledge, analytical skills and professional competencies necessary to perform the duties of the position. The level of degree is commonly recognized as the standard qualification for similar roles in the public and private sector, ensuring that the university remains competitive with industry aligned practices, enhances collaboration with external partners, and supports the…