Assessment/Accountability
Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System

Recruitment for MCAS Science and Technology/Engineering Assessment Development Committees

The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education is seeking classroom teachers, school and district administrators, and other educational leaders to serve as members of the MCAS Assessment Development Committees for the following disciplines and grade levels:

• Science and Technology/Engineering, grades 5 and 8
• High School Biology
• High School Chemistry
• High School Introductory Physics
• High School Technology/Engineering.

Members of the MCAS Assessment Development Committees (ADC) review test items and provide feedback to the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education in an advisory capacity. We are looking for members with content expertise, familiarity with the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks, and experience teaching students at the grade levels to be tested. This is a professional development opportunity for educators who are interested in contributing to the development of MCAS tests and in learning about large-scale, standards-based assessment.

Appointments to the Assessment Development Committees will be for one year and are renewable by reapplication. For those selected to serve on an Assessment Development Committee, the commitment for participation will begin in January 2005 and continue through December 2005. We are accepting applications well in advance of the committee start date to provide teachers and administrators with an opportunity to plan for this important commitment. I hope that you will share this information with members of your faculty and other interested colleagues. The NEW application deadline is June 25, 2004.

ADC Meeting Schedule

Specific dates for ADC meetings have yet to be determined, but will consist of four meetings of approximately two consecutive days each. These will take place in January/February, April/May, July/August and September/October.

Committee Members' Responsibilities

Assessment Development Committee members assist the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education in the development of MCAS items and scoring guides. Responsibilities include reviewing MCAS items and other related materials for

• alignment to the Massachusetts Science and Technology/Engineering Curriculum Framework;
• developmental appropriateness; and
• instructional worthiness.

Committee members are charged with reviewing all questions prior to field testing and making suggestions for refinements. Members also review the items after field testing when they are accompanied by actual test item performance data.

Reimbursement of Expenses

Transportation costs are reimbursed for all members and lodging is provided to members who live 70 or more miles away from the meeting site. In addition, committee members will receive professional development points for their service. For summer meetings, an honorarium of $100 per meeting day will be paid to members. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education will reimburse districts for actual substitute teacher costs for up to $100 per day.

Application Procedure

Applications must include the following three components:

1. Current résumé (including a selected course syllabus if available);

2. Statement of interest. Brief statement (1-2 pages) that explains why the applicant wishes to serve and describes particular training and experience that will enable the applicant to contribute as an MCAS ADC member; and

3. Completed application form with Superintendent's signature of support.*

* In certain cases, the signature of the Superintendent's designee or other reporting supervisor may be substituted. Please call Student Assessment Services (781) 338-3625 for approval for exceptions to the stated policy.

Applicants must be currently employed by or have a contractual arrangement with a Massachusetts public school, or by a private school enrolling students served by public funds.

The NEW deadline for receipt of applications by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education is June 25, 2004. Please see the attached application for further directions. Notification of acceptance will be sent to home addresses in early July. If you have any questions, please call Phil Robakiewicz, Science and Technology/Engineering Lead at (781) 338-3615.

Thank you for your interest.