Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System

MCAS Assessment Development Committee (ADC) Recruitment (Deadline, April 29, 2016)

To:	Superintendents, Principals, and Educational Leaders
From:	Michol Stapel Acting Associate Commissioner of Student Assessment
Date:	April 8, 2016

The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education is seeking educators to serve as members of the MCAS English Language Arts (ELA), Mathematics, and Science and Technology/Engineering (STE) Assessment Development Committees. Members of these committees are directly involved in assisting the Department with the process of developing MCAS test items. We are looking for members with content expertise, familiarity with the Massachusetts curriculum frameworks, and teaching experience in the grade and subject matter indicated on the application. This is a rewarding professional development opportunity for educators who are interested in learning about large-scale, standards-based assessment. Please inform your faculty and colleagues of this opportunity. Individuals who previously served or currently serve as ADC members may reapply.

Committee Members' Responsibilities

Assessment Development Committee members assist the Department in the review of MCAS reading passages (ELA only), modules (STE only), test questions, and scoring rubrics. The charge is to review items for

alignment with the Massachusetts curriculum frameworks and MCAS performance standards;
developmental appropriateness;
instructional worthiness; and
content accuracy.

Committee members are charged with reviewing all test questions prior to field-testing and making suggestions for refinements. After field-testing, committee members review the questions with their field-test performance data.

Membership Structure and Number of Meeting Days

Each ADC consists of approximately 10–12 educators. The membership term will run for 2 years, from September 2016 through December 2018. Committee members are required to attend all scheduled meetings, which run from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., during the school year and the summer. The approximate number of annual meeting days per committee is as follows:

Content Area	Grades	Number of Meeting Days
ELA	3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8	6–7
ELA	10	10–12
Mathematics	3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8	5
Mathematics	10	10
Science and Tech/Eng	5 and 8	5
Biology	High School	8
Introductory Physics	High School	6
Technology/Engineering	High School	4

The first meeting of most committees will take place in late fall 2016 at a site yet to be determined.

Application Procedure

The application can be found at: MCAS Assessment Development Committee Member Application.
To be considered complete, applications must include the following two components:

A current résumé that
- documents content expertise, experience, and professional development related to committee members' responsibilities; and
- can be uploaded in a .doc or .pdf format.
A statement of interest that
- explains why the applicant wishes to serve;
- describes how the applicant's training and experience will enable him or her to make a positive contribution as an MCAS ADC member.

The deadline for receipt of applications is Friday, April 29, 2016. Notifications will be sent by early June 2016. Upon selection, successful applicants will be sent a calendar of meetings and be asked to confirm their commitment to attend these meetings. Additionally, successful applicants will be asked to submit a written confirmation of support from their supervisor. If applicants have any questions, they may contact the following content area developers:

ELA: Amy Carithers, 781-338-3508
Mathematics: Haley Freeman, 781-338-3636
STE: Katie Bowler, 781-338-3464

Last Updated: April 12, 2016