ESOL Item Writers/Checkers

SQA are working in partnership with a test centre/assessment provider to develop new English Language test content and are seeking to recruit item writers/checkers to support the programme of works from February 2020 to April 2020 with the potential for subsequent work.

The role of Item Writers/Checkers is to :

• Produce new question(s)/item(s)/task(s) and marking instructions in accordance with the item specification and guidance from the SQA and/or Principal Assessor. New question(s)/item(s)/tasks(s) and marking instructions must be of a suitable standard in terms of validity, reliability, accuracy, content, degree of difficulty, spelling and grammar.
• Identify sources and copyright requirements for submission along with question(s)/item(s)/task(s) and marking instructions by specified dates.
• Review new question(s)/item(s)/task(s) and marking instructions providing comment on their suitability in terms of validity, reliability, accuracy, degree of difficulty, content, mark allocation, layout, spelling and grammar to ensure they meet the requirements of the item specification.
• Ensure that new question(s)/item(s)/task(s) are free of bias and stereotyping on the basis of factors such as race, religion, disability, sex, social background, sexual orientation and age.
• Item Writers/Checkers successful in their application will be invited to training event in support of the scope of works.

Minimum requirements are as follows:

• Be a qualified teacher of ESOL or English for Academic Purposes
• Have teaching experience of A1, A2, B1, B2, C1 and/or C2 within the last 5 years
• Have a recognised TESOL certification; e.g. certificate or diploma level, The Cambridge CELTA or DELTA
• Experience in developing assessment items preferably for high stakes exams
• Be able to communicate and engage professionally, confidently and effectively with SQA and Partner project team
• Be able to demonstrate good forward planning and time management skills and adhere to deadlines
• Be competent in using IT packages such as Word, Excel and email, and data sharing via secure Sharepoint
• Have a secure personal device, which is compliant with our minimum specifications (as detailed in the contract), a reliable internet connection and a private personal e-mail address.
• Be responsible for the security and confidentiality of any assessment material that you engage with