LINGUIST List 13.3373

Fri Dec 20 2002

Jobs: Foreign Language Testing: Project Officer, CA

Editor for this issue: Sarah Murray <sarahlinguistlist.org>

Directory

1. John.Neff, Foreign Language Testing: Test Development Project Officer,CA, USA

University or Organization: Defense Language Institute Foreign
Language Center
Department: Test Development and Standards Division
Rank of Job: Test Development Project Officer
Specialty Areas: foreign language testing


Description:
 
We're looking for experienced and well-qualified test developers to
write and review language test items, including multiple-choice and
constructed response. The work also includes supervising a team of
item writers, and managing foreign-language proficiency test
development projects.

The Institute: 
The Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center (DLIFLC) is a
WASC accredited school that specializes in the teaching of languages
for the Department of Defense. It employs more than 800 full-time
faculty who teach, develop courses, and test in 21 different
languages.

This vacancy is located at the Institute's Directorate of Evaluation
and Standardization, Test Development and Standards Division
(ATFL-EST). Language tests developed at ATFL-EST include (1) Defense
Foreign Language Proficiency Tests (DLPTs)-testing skill levels
ranging from 0+ to 4 on the Interagency Language Roundtable (ILR)
proficiency scale in reading and listening, in over 21 different
languages; and (2) final tests for courses within the DLIFLC basic
language programs.

Responsibilities of the Test Development Project Officer: 
The position includes working with the Dean of ATFL-EST to oversee 
one or more test development teams and test development projects. 
The Test Development Project Officer:
*provides leadership to team members.
*Manages, monitors, and coordinates the development, review, revision,
 and quality control of specific DLPTs, language program tests, and
 performance tests. 
*Develops test items to measure achievement of and/or proficiency in
 listening and reading language skills.
*Identifies the nature of the language to be tested, articulates the
 appropriate testing construct, develops test specifications, selects
 source material, produces written and audio texts, and designs item
 tasks appropriate for the content and language features of the
 material tested.
*Conducts piloting and performance analysis of test items.
*Works out test developmental timelines, milestones, and procedures.
*Ensures that these standards are met.
*Ensures test security. 
*Serves as a testing resource for the test development staff, giving
 effective assistance, advice, and training in item writing, testing
 concepts, record-keeping, and test security.
*Keeps abreast of current developments and innovations in foreign
 language testing and related areas, and encourages team members to do
 likewise.
*May formally supervise team employees.

Qualifications: 
The assignment requires individuals with a strong background in
language test development. Excellent English communication skills and
a basic knowledge of computer use are also essential. Presuming
these, special consideration will be given to training and experience
in one or more of the following: (1) research in language testing (2)
the use of proficiency scales, especially the ILR proficiency scale,
(3) educational project management, (4) statistical analysis, (5)
teaching foreign languages and related disciplines (ESL, linguistics,
etc.), (6) working with a variety of foreign languages or speakers of
a variety of foreign languages, (7) development of communicative
language learning exercises, and (8) translation. A Master's degree,
earned doctorate, or equivalent academic achievement is preferred.

The successful applicant must have permission to work in the US.

Compensation: 
The salary and academic rank for this position will be determined by
the successful candidate's professional qualifications and
contributions. The current salary ranges are: Assistant Professor
$34,500 to $62,500, Associate Professor $41,700 to $75,000, Professor
$50,000 to $93,000.

DLIFLC is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer

For more information, contact Mr. John C. Neff, Deputy to the Dean, at
(831) 242-5305 or via the e-mail address provided above.	
	

Address for Applications:

	Attn: Faculty Recruiter Marion Kopmann
	e-mail first
	e-mail: Marion.Kopmannmonterey.army.mil
	Montrey, CA 93944
	United States of America 
	Applications are due by 14-Feb-2003


Contact Information:
	Deputy to the Dean John Neff.
	Email: John.Neffmonterey.army.mil
	Tel: (831)242-5305