State Education Department Seeks Members for Committees to Develop State Tests

Malden - Massachusetts Education Commissioner Robert V. Antonucci announced today that he is inviting further applications from teachers and other interested individuals to serve on one of the seven Assessment Development Committees for the upcoming test of student achievement required under the Education Reform law.

A 25-30 person committee consisting of educators and content experts will be formed for each of the subjects covered by the Commonwealth's Curriculum Frameworks: mathematics, science and technology, English/language arts, social studies, world languages, the arts, and health.

Each committee will work in collaboration with the Department of Education and the state's testing contractor to develop the new assessment system for students in grades four, eight and ten. The committees will assist in developing assessment specifications, producing and reviewing assessment questions, reviewing the results of field tests, and developing and reviewing performance standards and scoring guides.

"Committee members will serve an important role, and they will have a valuable professional experience. We hope that teachers from all parts of the school system will apply, as their expertise is integral to this process. We also welcome parents with children in school or out of schools, and applicants from business, higher education and the community-at-large," said Commissioner Antonucci.

Applicants need to make a long-term commitment to attend monthly meetings throughout the 1995-96 and 1996-97 school years.

Applications may be obtained from the Department of Education by calling (781) 338-3000. The new deadline for applications is November 22, 1995.