The National Center for the Improvement of Educational Assessment
2009 Summer Internship Program in Educational Assessment and Accountability
The National Center for the Improvement of Educational Assessment, Inc (the Center) is a small non-profit organization that occupies a unique and influential niche at the intersection of psychometrics and educational assessment policy. The Center is pleased to offer summer internships for up to two advanced doctoral students in educational measurement and/or assessment/accountability policy who want the opportunity to work with the Center’s professionals on projects with direct implications for state and national educational policy.
The Center
The Center was formed in 1998 by Richard Hill and Brian Gong as a not-for-profit corporation with a mission to improve student learning through better assessment and accountability practices. The Center is located in a beautifully renovated mill building on the banks of the Cocheco River in Dover, NH (10 miles from the seacoast town of Portsmouth, NH and about an hour north of Boston, MA). All of the Center’s nine professional staff have earned doctorates in psychometrics, curriculum, or statistics and most have worked at high levels in state departments of education (assessment directors) or in testing companies. The combination of technical expertise and practical experience allows Center professionals to contribute effectively to cutting edge policy issues in educational measurement.
The Center’s strives to promote increases in student learning through improved practices in educational assessment and accountability. The Center works directly with states (we currently are under contract with 25 states or entities) and has working relationships with several national research and advocacy organizations such as the National Center for Educational Outcomes (NCEO), The Center for Research on Student Standards and Testing (CRESST), Achieve, Inc., WestEd, and the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO). The Center works with its clients and partners to fulfill this ambitious mission by:
§ Providing customized support to states and districts in designing and implementing valid assessment and accountability programs.
§ Coordinating Technical Advisory Committees that help ensure states’ assessment and accountability programs receive the best on-going technical advice possible.
§ Synthesizing existing research and conducting new analyses to provide empirical support for addressing current policy problems in sound, innovative ways.
Sample current projects of the Center include:
§ Helping states devise student longitudinal growth systems for school accountability, and analyze the factors affecting the validity and reliability of such systems
§ Designing innovative, interactive assessment and accountability reporting systems designed to yield meaningful interpretations of student and school scores
§ Working with a federally funded consortium to develop practical technical guidelines to evaluate and document the technical quality of alternate assessment systems (large-scale assessments for students with significant cognitive disabilities that prevent them for participating in the regular assessment)
§ Working with a state to design and implant a local assessment system to support high school graduation decisions based on curriculum-embedded work, along with state-wide review procedures to support the quality and comparability of districts’ systems across the state
§ Examining individual and sets of assessment items (test forms) to relate psychometric characteristics to explicit content standards and cognitive models
The Summer Internship Program
Interns will work on one major project throughout the summer (to be negotiated between the intern and the Center mentor) and will participate with Center staff on multiple ongoing projects. The intern will have the opportunity to attend meetings and interact with numerous state assessment personnel. Interns will be expected to produce a written report, suitable for conference presentation and/or publication, as evidence of successful completion of their project. One of the Center’s senior staff will serve as the intern’s primary mentor, but the interns will interact regularly with all of the Center’s staff.
Qualifications
The intern must have completed at least two years of doctoral course work in educational measurement, statistics, research methods, or a related field. Interns with documented previous research experience are preferred. Further, interns must document their ability to work independently to complete a long-term project. We have found that successful interns possess most of the following skills and knowledge:
Experience working with large-scale data bases
Working knowledge of statistical analysis through multivariate analyses as well as fluency with one or more statistical packages, e.g., SAS, SPSS, R (preferred)
A solid understanding research design
Psychometrics (both classical and IRT) with demonstrated understanding of the principles of reliability and validity
Logistics
The internship duration is 8 weeks; the specific term will depend on the intern’s school schedule, but generally starting in the first week of June. The Center will provide a housing allowance, reasonable relocation expenses, and a stipend of $5000.
Application
To apply for the internship program, candidates should submit the following materials electronically (preferred):
letter of interest,
vita,
recent academic paper,
the proposed dates (contiguous 8 weeks) for the internship, and
two letters of recommendations (one of which must be from the candidate’s academic advisor).
All materials must be submitted to Scott Marion and smarion@nciea.org and received by February 15, 2009. Postal mail can be directed to Dr. Marion at:
Scott Marion, Ph.D.
Center for Assessment
P.O. Box 351
Dover, NH 03821
Applicants will be notified around March 15, 2009 regarding the internship. To learn more about the Center, please visit www.nciea.org or contact Scott Marion at smarion@nciea.org.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
RESEARCH ASSISTANT PROFESSOR
The University of Western Austrailia
RESEARCH ASSISTANT PROFESSOR (REF: 2616)
GRADUATE SCHOOL OF EDUCATION
· 3 year appointments commencing immediately
· Salary range: Level B $73,036 - $86,732 p.a.
· Closing date: Friday, 6 February 2009
Pearson plc and the Graduate School of Education, at The University of Western Australia, have developed a partnership to establish the Pearson Psychometric Laboratory. This Laboratory will undertake research and development work to enhance psychometric expertise for application to the broad area of educational measurement and assessment around the world. The Laboratory complements and cooperates with the Oxford University Centre for Educational Assessment, also established with the support from Pearson plc.
This position is available with financial support from Pearson plc and other grants. Applicants must have a doctoral qualification in the area of psychometrics (Modern Test Theory). For further information regarding the position please contact Professor David Andrich on (08) 6488 1085 or email david.andrich@uwa.edu.au.
Benefits include 17% superannuation, generous leave provisions and an enviable work environment. These and other benefits will be specified in the offer of employment.
* PLEASE NOTE: The University will be closed from Thursday 25 December 2008 until Monday 5 January 2009.
Application Details: The position description follows. Written applications quoting the reference number, personal contact details, qualifications and experience, along with contact details of three referees should be sent to Director, Human Resources, The University of Western Australia, M350, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley WA 6009 or emailed to jobs@uwa.edu.au by the closing date.
RESEARCH ASSISTANT PROFESSOR (REF: 2616)
GRADUATE SCHOOL OF EDUCATION
· 3 year appointments commencing immediately
· Salary range: Level B $73,036 - $86,732 p.a.
· Closing date: Friday, 6 February 2009
Pearson plc and the Graduate School of Education, at The University of Western Australia, have developed a partnership to establish the Pearson Psychometric Laboratory. This Laboratory will undertake research and development work to enhance psychometric expertise for application to the broad area of educational measurement and assessment around the world. The Laboratory complements and cooperates with the Oxford University Centre for Educational Assessment, also established with the support from Pearson plc.
This position is available with financial support from Pearson plc and other grants. Applicants must have a doctoral qualification in the area of psychometrics (Modern Test Theory). For further information regarding the position please contact Professor David Andrich on (08) 6488 1085 or email david.andrich@uwa.edu.au.
Benefits include 17% superannuation, generous leave provisions and an enviable work environment. These and other benefits will be specified in the offer of employment.
* PLEASE NOTE: The University will be closed from Thursday 25 December 2008 until Monday 5 January 2009.
Application Details: The position description follows. Written applications quoting the reference number, personal contact details, qualifications and experience, along with contact details of three referees should be sent to Director, Human Resources, The University of Western Australia, M350, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley WA 6009 or emailed to jobs@uwa.edu.au by the closing date.
RESEARCH ASSOCIATE
The University of Western Australia
RESEARCH ASSOCIATE (REF: 2615)
GRADUATE SCHOOL OF EDUCATION
· 3 year appointment commencing immediately
· Salary range: Level A $51,128 - $69,383 p.a. - minimum starting salary for appointee with PhD will be $64,637 p.a.
· Closing date: Friday, 6 February 2009
Pearson plc and the Graduate School of Education, at The University of Western Australia, have developed a partnership to establish the Pearson Psychometric Laboratory. This Laboratory will undertake research and development work to enhance psychometric expertise for application to the broad area of educational measurement and assessment around the world. The Laboratory complements and cooperates with the Oxford University Centre for Educational Assessment, also established with the support from Pearson plc.
This position is available with financial support from Pearson plc and other grants. Applicants must have a doctoral qualification in the area of psychometrics (Modern Test Theory). For further information regarding the position please contact Professor David Andrich on (08) 6488 1085 or email david.andrich@uwa.edu.au.
Benefits include 17% superannuation, generous leave provisions and an enviable work environment. These and other benefits will be specified in the offer of employment.
* PLEASE NOTE: The University will be closed from Thursday 25 December 2008 until Monday 5 January 2009.
Application Details: The position description follows. Written applications quoting the reference number, personal contact details, qualifications and experience, along with contact details of three referees should be sent to Director, Human Resources, The University of Western Australia, M350, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley WA 6009 or emailed to jobs@uwa.edu.au by the closing date.
RESEARCH ASSOCIATE (REF: 2615)
GRADUATE SCHOOL OF EDUCATION
· 3 year appointment commencing immediately
· Salary range: Level A $51,128 - $69,383 p.a. - minimum starting salary for appointee with PhD will be $64,637 p.a.
· Closing date: Friday, 6 February 2009
Pearson plc and the Graduate School of Education, at The University of Western Australia, have developed a partnership to establish the Pearson Psychometric Laboratory. This Laboratory will undertake research and development work to enhance psychometric expertise for application to the broad area of educational measurement and assessment around the world. The Laboratory complements and cooperates with the Oxford University Centre for Educational Assessment, also established with the support from Pearson plc.
This position is available with financial support from Pearson plc and other grants. Applicants must have a doctoral qualification in the area of psychometrics (Modern Test Theory). For further information regarding the position please contact Professor David Andrich on (08) 6488 1085 or email david.andrich@uwa.edu.au.
Benefits include 17% superannuation, generous leave provisions and an enviable work environment. These and other benefits will be specified in the offer of employment.
* PLEASE NOTE: The University will be closed from Thursday 25 December 2008 until Monday 5 January 2009.
Application Details: The position description follows. Written applications quoting the reference number, personal contact details, qualifications and experience, along with contact details of three referees should be sent to Director, Human Resources, The University of Western Australia, M350, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley WA 6009 or emailed to jobs@uwa.edu.au by the closing date.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
University of Massachusetts Boston
University of Massachusetts Boston
Center for Social Development and Education
Official Title Research Assistant
Pay:$35,000-$40,000(Full-benefits)
Start Date: January 1, 2009
General Summary of Position:
The Center for Social Development and Education is currently seeking a full-time research assistant to work on a U.S. Department of Education funded evaluation of a school-based sports and inclusion program that is being implemented in over 40 states across the country. This program emphasizes activating youth with and without disabilities to be more engaged in their schools and communities, and promotes greater inclusion of youth with disabilities in the school environment through inclusive sports programming like Special Olympics. The evaluation seeks to document how the program is implemented in the different sites, identify model programs for further program development, and assess the impact of such programming on the attitudes of youth. Under the supervision of the Project Director, the research assistant will help oversee the daily operations of the evaluation, schedule project activities, and assist in data collection and preliminary data analysis.
Examples of Duties:
The Research Assistant will be responsible for the day-to-day management of an ongoing DOE funded evaluation. Activities include: tracking correspondence with State programs involved in the evaluation, adapting questionnaires and materials for specific sites, monitoring the receipt of data, coordinating conference calls with states, participating in site visits, providing technical assistance to State programs as they complete online surveys, monitoring States activities to ensure compliance, and carrying out preliminary data analyses using SPSS.
Minimum Qualifications:
B.A. in psychology or related field is required, though MA is preferred. Candidate is required to have coursework in research methodology and beginner and intermediate level statistics, including a working knowledge of SPSS. Must have demonstrated high organizational and communication skills through previous work or research experience. Direct experience with program evaluation is highly preferred.
Supervision Received:
The RA will be under the direct supervision of the Project Director. The RA must be able to work independently with minimal supervision.
Supervision Exercised:
The RA will supervise graduate assistants.
Applying:
Please e-mail your resume and cover letter to Karen Friedman, Assistant Director, karen.friedman@umb.edu by December 31, 2008. Please refer to “Evaluation RA” In your subject.
Center for Social Development and Education
Official Title Research Assistant
Pay:$35,000-$40,000(Full-benefits)
Start Date: January 1, 2009
General Summary of Position:
The Center for Social Development and Education is currently seeking a full-time research assistant to work on a U.S. Department of Education funded evaluation of a school-based sports and inclusion program that is being implemented in over 40 states across the country. This program emphasizes activating youth with and without disabilities to be more engaged in their schools and communities, and promotes greater inclusion of youth with disabilities in the school environment through inclusive sports programming like Special Olympics. The evaluation seeks to document how the program is implemented in the different sites, identify model programs for further program development, and assess the impact of such programming on the attitudes of youth. Under the supervision of the Project Director, the research assistant will help oversee the daily operations of the evaluation, schedule project activities, and assist in data collection and preliminary data analysis.
Examples of Duties:
The Research Assistant will be responsible for the day-to-day management of an ongoing DOE funded evaluation. Activities include: tracking correspondence with State programs involved in the evaluation, adapting questionnaires and materials for specific sites, monitoring the receipt of data, coordinating conference calls with states, participating in site visits, providing technical assistance to State programs as they complete online surveys, monitoring States activities to ensure compliance, and carrying out preliminary data analyses using SPSS.
Minimum Qualifications:
B.A. in psychology or related field is required, though MA is preferred. Candidate is required to have coursework in research methodology and beginner and intermediate level statistics, including a working knowledge of SPSS. Must have demonstrated high organizational and communication skills through previous work or research experience. Direct experience with program evaluation is highly preferred.
Supervision Received:
The RA will be under the direct supervision of the Project Director. The RA must be able to work independently with minimal supervision.
Supervision Exercised:
The RA will supervise graduate assistants.
Applying:
Please e-mail your resume and cover letter to Karen Friedman, Assistant Director, karen.friedman@umb.edu by December 31, 2008. Please refer to “Evaluation RA” In your subject.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
2009 Pearson Psychometric Fellowship
2009 Pearson Psychometric Fellowship
Pearson will offer an 8-week fellowship in summer of 2009 for five doctoral students with outstanding psychometric skills who wish to gain experience in educational testing. The fellowship will include hands-on experience in the development and analysis of data for K-12 assessments. Specific activities may include item analysis/key check procedures, test construction, scaling and equating, technical writing, comparability studies, attendance/facilitation of item review committees, and other research projects. Fellows will also have an opportunity to learn about item content development, scoring and processing, and other aspects of educational testing.
DATES:
The 8-week fellowship will take place from June 8, 2009 through July 31, 2009.
LOCATIONS:
Two fellowships are available in San Antonio, Texas and one fellowship is available in each of the following cities: Austin, Texas; Iowa City, Iowa; and Tulsa, Oklahoma.
FELLOWSHIP GOALS:
Fellows will have the opportunity to work closely with a team of Pearson research scientists in order to
Gain experience in many of the tasks involved in a K-12 testing contract.
Collaborate on a research paper, abstract, or presentation for national dissemination.
Better understand ways to collaborate and communicate about educational measurement.
AWARD:
The award includes a $5000 stipend. Transportation costs to and from Austin/Iowa City/San Antonio/Tulsa will be provided. Corporate housing will be provided for fellows commuting more than 50 miles.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Fellows should be currently enrolled in a doctoral program in educational measurement, educational statistics, educational psychology or similar program. Two to three years of doctoral-level coursework is required. Fellows should have strong written and verbal communication skills. Fellows may not participate in other summer internship or externship programs during the Pearson fellowship program.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE:
Each candidate should submit a curriculum vita, copy of graduate school transcript, two letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose describing his or her interest in the fellowship. All application materials must be received by March 2, 2009. Fellowship awards will be announced by March 31, 2009. .
Materials should be submitted to:
Paul Nichols, Vice PresidentPsychometric & Research ServicesAssessment & InformationPearson2510 N. Dodge Street, P. O. Box 30Iowa City, IA 52245-9945
Pearson will offer an 8-week fellowship in summer of 2009 for five doctoral students with outstanding psychometric skills who wish to gain experience in educational testing. The fellowship will include hands-on experience in the development and analysis of data for K-12 assessments. Specific activities may include item analysis/key check procedures, test construction, scaling and equating, technical writing, comparability studies, attendance/facilitation of item review committees, and other research projects. Fellows will also have an opportunity to learn about item content development, scoring and processing, and other aspects of educational testing.
DATES:
The 8-week fellowship will take place from June 8, 2009 through July 31, 2009.
LOCATIONS:
Two fellowships are available in San Antonio, Texas and one fellowship is available in each of the following cities: Austin, Texas; Iowa City, Iowa; and Tulsa, Oklahoma.
FELLOWSHIP GOALS:
Fellows will have the opportunity to work closely with a team of Pearson research scientists in order to
Gain experience in many of the tasks involved in a K-12 testing contract.
Collaborate on a research paper, abstract, or presentation for national dissemination.
Better understand ways to collaborate and communicate about educational measurement.
AWARD:
The award includes a $5000 stipend. Transportation costs to and from Austin/Iowa City/San Antonio/Tulsa will be provided. Corporate housing will be provided for fellows commuting more than 50 miles.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Fellows should be currently enrolled in a doctoral program in educational measurement, educational statistics, educational psychology or similar program. Two to three years of doctoral-level coursework is required. Fellows should have strong written and verbal communication skills. Fellows may not participate in other summer internship or externship programs during the Pearson fellowship program.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE:
Each candidate should submit a curriculum vita, copy of graduate school transcript, two letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose describing his or her interest in the fellowship. All application materials must be received by March 2, 2009. Fellowship awards will be announced by March 31, 2009. .
Materials should be submitted to:
Paul Nichols, Vice PresidentPsychometric & Research ServicesAssessment & InformationPearson2510 N. Dodge Street, P. O. Box 30Iowa City, IA 52245-9945
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