Educational Testing Service Research & Development (Princeton, NJ)has an opening for a Research Scientist with a specialization in learning or cognitive science to contribute to the science portion of the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) and to the Cognitively Based Assessment of, for, and as Learning (CBAL) project. The NAEP science assessment will be incorporating a variety of innovative, technology-based components. The CBAL project is a highly ambitious, long-term research and development activity aimed at creating an innovative system of computer-delivered summative and formative assessment for use in K-12 and other contexts. Both projects include assessment design, prototype development, online pilot administration, analysis, and reporting of research results.
BASIC FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Be part of a cross-functional team of research scientists, test developers, psychometricians, and technology specialists who will adapt the philosophy and design principles governing the CBAL project to explore how they might be applied to NAEP.
Contribute to the development of a CBAL science competency model and a set of learning progressions to underlie the design of CBAL science summative and formative assessments for secondary school, and to the potential application and adaptation of that competency model for NAEP.
Design NAEP science assessment prototypes and CBAL summative and formative science assessment prototypes, create specifications for item developers, and contribute to item writing, as appropriate.
Create a research agenda to address significant issues related to the implementation of NAEP and CBAL science assessments.
Write proposals for internal and external funding to carry out projects in response to the research agenda.
Disseminate theoretical work and empirical findings through frequent presentations at national and international conferences, and through peer-reviewed publications.
Work with the NAEP and with CBAL science team members and other staff to meet project goals and objectives.
Required Experience:
EDUCATION
A Ph.D. in learning sciences, cognitive science, or educational psychology or a related field with an emphasis on secondary school science is required.
EXPERIENCE
Eight years of independent research experience providing evidence of continuing and substantial contributions in the area of science cognition and testing is necessary.
