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Job Listing

Number of Positions: 1
Job Listing
Job ID: 13974963
 
Job Location:
 

 
How to Apply:
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Job Title:Assessment Specialist
Work Type:Work Days: Work Vary: Yes , Shift: Other, Hours Per Week: 40, Work Type: Regular
 
Salary Offered:Unspecified
Benefits:Unspecified.
 
Physical Required:Unspecified
Drug Testing Required:Unspecified
Education Required:Bachelor's Degree
Experience Required:Unspecified
 
Required Skills:
Please see the job description for information about required job skills.
Preferred Skills:
 
Job Description:
Job ID360014

LocationTwin Cities

Job FamilyEducation-General

Full/Part TimeFull-Time

Regular/TemporaryRegular

Job Code9745S2

Employee ClassAcad Prof and Admin



About the Job



The Assessment Specialist is part of the Language Testing Program, housed in the Language Center in the College of Liberal Arts. The Testing Program administers placement, proficiency, and certification tests to more than 6,000 students per year in all languages at the University of Minnesota. There are two Assessment Specialists, along with a Director, Assessment Administrator, and small team of student and part-time staff. This position requires high-level proficiency in Spanish, and works closely with Spanish-language instructors and students on assessments from initial course placement to advanced proficiency certification.
Training and education (40%)
* Develop and conduct workshops and other training or informational programs relating to second language proficiency and assessment
* Train 12-15 current instructors per term in methods of evaluating speaking and writing
* Plan and lead specialized training sessions for 12-15 instructors per term - Language Proficiency Exam (LPE) speaking and writing; Entrance Proficiency Test (EPT) writing
* Supervise 12-15 instructors per term as they fulfill proficiency test responsibilities
* Monitor 12-15 instructors' Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI) performance per term; provide follow-up training as needed
* Review 12-15 instructors' writing exam evaluation performance per term; override if needed; provide follow-up training as needed
* Provide feedback to language departments about the performance of instructors/faculty who conduct proficiency testing work
* Prepare training materials and update them as needed
* Train 12-15 instructors per term in the use of technology used in proficiency assessments
* Analyze students' language proficiency and language learning background; provide course placement recommendations to instructors, advisers, and students
* Keep current with developments in the field and provide consultation on second language pedagogy and proficiency assessment
* Provide expertise regarding ACTFL second language proficiency guidelines and course placement to the community

Test development and analysis (20%)
* Prepare reports and analysis of test results for language departments; assess needs of departments and instructional programs and provide recommendations
* Provide analysis for language departments, upon request, of patterns of placement test performance and subsequent success in language courses among separate populations of students; each group normally consists of 1000-1500 students
* Provide individualized language course placement recommendations, as needed, based on analysis of student test performance, language learning background, gaps in study and other factors which influence course placement decisions
* Develop and test educational materials; make revisions to exams and procedures as needed based on analysis of results
* Evaluate Critical Reflection Essays for the Certificate of Advanced Proficiency in relevant languages
* Plan accommodations for students with disabilities; adapt test materials as needed based on accommodations
* Initiate or provide support for special projects in consultation with stakeholders - new test forms, customized placement tests, curricular initiatives
* Modify practices and procedures to improve efficiency and quality
* Obtain and analyze test results; monitor accuracy and consistency of instructors' evaluations; override as needed and follow up with instructors who need additional coaching

Logistical Planning & Supervision of Test Administration: (20%)
* Assist with the administration of proficiency and placement tests to more than 6000 students per year in support of the CLA second language requirement
* Serve as liaison between the Testing Program Director and relevant language department
* Manage confidential student data, including test results and academic records
* Schedule tests with appropriate accommodations for students with disabilities
* Determine eligibility for Student Groups and Milestones that certify fulfillment of the CLA Second Language Requirement, fulfillment of course prerequisites, and inclusion of transcript lines
* Supervise the selection of interviewers for the LPE speaking exam/OPI; distribute workload and set schedules in consultation with stakeholders
* Make daily operational decisions based on best practices
* Distribute materials pertinent to language testing to relevant faculty and instructors
* Keep testing materials organized, secure, and up-to-date
* Assist with the administration of the Individualized Language Assessment (ILA)
* Assist with the administration of ACTFL exams (American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages)
* Orient and monitor student workers and exam proctors - LPE, LPE Screening Test, and ILA

Student Case Analysis and Problem Solving:(20%)
* Advise students regarding test administration, test results, and course placement
* Analyze student writing and speaking exam performance and provide feedback; handle requests for re-evaluation
* Provide information to students about test content and strategies for success
* Assist with development and maintenance of Testing Program website
* Assist students with special needs, ensuring appropriate accommodations are made
* Assist students with the test registration process
* Resolve scheduling conflicts
* Help with troubleshooting technical problems
Estimated salary range: $50,000 - $60,000.

Qualifications



Required Qualifications:
Advanced degree in language or second language education or related discipline with minimum four or more years of related professional experience, or a BA/BS in language or second language education or related discipline with minimum six or more years of related professional experience
High-level proficiency in Spanish
Minimum one year experience teaching/working in a post-secondary institution
Excellent organizational and communication skills; ability to work with faculty, staff, and students, and independently
Experience in leading projects, training, and giving presentations
Experience compiling and interpreting data
Experience in test development
Familiarity with language proficiency levels (ACTFL and/or ILR)
Basic computer experience: databases, spreadsheets, word processing
Preferred Qualifications:
Minimum three years experience teaching/working in a post-secondary institution
Near native fluency in Spanish
Experience conducting and evaluating Oral Proficiency Interviews or equivalent
Experience evaluating proficiency level of student writing samples
Familiarity with tests administered by the Language Testing Program (proficiency, placement, screening) or equivalent in other educational settings
Experience using the PeopleSoft database
Experience using the Canvas learning management system
Data management and analysis experience

About the Department



The mission of the CLA Language Center is to advance second language, literature, culture, and linguistics education by providing leadership in integrating technology with... For full info follow application link.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu.

Refer to ID 78603106 when applying