Language Testing Specialist

The Center for Applied Linguistics is a nonprofit organization promoting access, equity, and mutual understanding for linguistically and culturally diverse people around the world. CAL serves as a trusted source for research, resources, and policy analysis to address issues involving language and culture in education and society globally. This position is based in Washington, D.C., with flexibility to work remotely up to 100% or in a hoteling capacity at the D.C. office. Candidates must reside in eligible U.S. states (excluding NY, NJ, PA, TX, CA, or U.S. Territories).

About the role

The Language Testing Specialist plays a critical role in developing, reviewing, and revising test items for WIDA ACCESS and WIDA Screener, large-scale English language proficiency assessments for multilingual learners in grades 1-12. Responsibilities include creating and refining test items, coordinating with external consultants, analyzing pilot data, and ensuring quality control for print and computer-delivered assessments.

Responsibilities

• Research and write test items aligned to item specifications and revise based on feedback from test development content managers.
• Evaluate, review, and revise test materials and documents, including providing feedback to external consultants and team members.
• Write and refine graphics descriptions to support student comprehension of test items.
• Evaluate and track changes to graphics for content accuracy and grade-level appropriateness.
• Prepare materials for internal and external reviews of test materials.
• Coordinate item development tasks of external consultants (theme generators, item writers, standards experts, etc.) to ensure timely delivery.
• Incorporate item feedback from project managers, clients, and subject matter experts (standards experts, bias/sensitivity & content reviewers, etc.) at multiple stages of development.
• Analyze data from small-scale pilot activities with new items; use teacher and student feedback to make revisions.
• Analyze and interpret field test data to inform revisions to items or new item development.
• Communicate and collaborate within and across teams throughout the test development process.
• Adhere to quality control procedures for print and computer-delivered items.
• Prepare and maintain files and records (summary reports, electronic notes, spreadsheets, etc.).
• Write and revise test item specifications.
• Maintain test item database.
• Prepare training samples, annotations, and scoring notes for raters of speaking and writing responses.

Qualifications

Required:

• A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in a relevant field, with at least two years of relevant experience; or a Master’s degree in a relevant field.

Preferred:

• Experience working with K-12 English learners (ELs) in U.S. school contexts, particularly in grades K-5.
• Experience teaching English to speakers of other languages (e.g., ESL, ESOL, ELD).
• Experience developing multiple-choice and constructed-response test items for K-12 students.

Skills

Required:

• Ability to apply understanding of English language development and K-12 education standards to test item development.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Strong prioritization, deadline management, and collaborative teamwork skills.
• Attention to detail while maintaining a big-picture perspective.
• Flexibility in responding to feedback and evolving project priorities.

Preferred:

• Excellent writing, editing, and proofreading skills in English.
• Strong organization, planning, and time management skills.
• Strong oral and interpersonal communication skills.
• Proficiency in a language other than English.
• Proficiency with Adobe InDesign and Microsoft Office.

Schedule

• This position may require occasional travel (1-2 times per year).

Pay

Minimum salary: $61,285.00. This position is benefits-eligible.

Physical Demands

• Regularly required to communicate effectively.
• May be required to sit or stand in a stationary position for 50% of the time.
• Constant operation of a computer and other office productivity equipment.