The Education Secretariat is committed to equity and valuing the unique and diverse characteristics and experiences of every member of its workforce. We encourage an authentic workplace where colleagues show up as their full selves, where collaboration, innovation, and connections are key to realizing our mission that all children, youth, and families thrive socially, academically, and economically. We seek teammates who are committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive work environment, where everyone is valued and engaged. We encourage you to apply and identify your strengths in these areas.
This position is based at the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education in Everett. Staff are currently operating within a hybrid model, that combines two in-office workdays and telecommuting up to three days per week. This model is subject to change.
The Office of Student Assessment Services (SAS) at the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) is responsible for coordinating the development, administration, and reporting of the Commonwealth’s statewide student assessment programs.
Responsibilities and duties include, but are not limited to:
The MCAS Test Administration Specialist for SAS will facilitate ongoing project management and outcomes for SAS programs and initiatives, as follows:
Support statewide test administrations by providing technical assistance to schools and districts via phone and email.
Support the shipping and receiving of test materials. Assist in monitoring return shipments of test materials from schools to the testing contractors and reconciling lists, and following up with schools as needed.
Inspect small samples of shipments, as necessary, to verify that established procedures have been followed to ensure the accurate delivery of test materials and reports.
Respond in ServiceNow to requests from schools to administer MCAS tests with an exception to standard procedures, consulting with supervisor as needed.
Support the Inclusive Assessment team in relation to accessibility features and accommodations on MCAS tests. Support will include reviewing, editing, and providing input on the Accessibility and Accommodations Manual, and responding to inquiries related to accessibility and accommodations from schools, districts, and families via phone and email.
Monitor MCAS Service Center call logs in order to maintain customer service standards.
Support MCAS test administration training webinars. Support includes reviewing/summarizing feedback from attendees’ survey responses, maintaining records of attendees and survey responses, and reviewing transcripts for posting.
Assist in development of test administration manuals, guides, and training webinars by providing input on testing procedures and paper-based administration as needed.
Maintain current knowledge and awareness of all SAS ongoing projects and assessments, including the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS), the MCAS Alternate Assessment (MCAS-Alt), and ACCESS, and provide accurate technical assistance and communication to internal and external customers, including monitoring the MCAS email box as a back-up, responding to emails when able and distributing other queries when needed.
Monitor testing systems before and during test administrations to ensure knowledge of any major or recurring issues affecting schools.
The successful candidate for this position will possess the following qualifications:
• excellent oral and written communication skills
• exceptional organizational skills
• strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• ability to learn quickly, perform well under tight timelines, work both independently and as a member of a team and collaborate with internal and external groups
• experience in public policy, education, assessment, or similar setting
• knowledge of MCAS and/or large-scale testing programs
• knowledge of accessibility features and accommodations, preferably for MCAS testing
• ability to multitask, manage multiple projects and schedules, set priorities and work efficiently while meeting deadlines
• ability to follow and give written and oral instructions in a precise and understandable manner
• intermediate to advanced skills in Microsoft office products, including Word and Excel
• knowledge of other software products such as Acrobat
• strong attention to detail and commitment to quality and accuracy
• ability to handle sensitive information
Travel may be required for this position.
Please include a resume and cover letter with your application.
Questions regarding this position or the application process should be directed to Dawn.E.DeRoche@mass.gov.
The Education Secretariat is committed to equity and valuing the unique and diverse characteristics and experiences of every member of its workforce. We encourage an authentic workplace where colleagues show up as their full selves, where collaboration, innovation, and connections are key to realizing our mission that all children, youth, and families thrive socially, academically, and economically. We seek teammates who are committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive work environment, where everyone is valued and engaged. We encourage you to apply and identify your strengths in these areas.
This position is based at the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education in Everett. Staff are currently operating within a hybrid model, that combines two in-office workdays and telecommuting up to three days per week. This model is subject to change.
The Office of Student Assessment Services (SAS) at the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) is responsible for coordinating the development, administration, and reporting of the Commonwealth’s statewide student assessment programs.
Responsibilities and duties include, but are not limited to:
The MCAS Test Administration Specialist for SAS will facilitate ongoing project management and outcomes for SAS programs and initiatives, as follows:
Support statewide test administrations by providing technical assistance to schools and districts via phone and email.
Support the shipping and receiving of test materials. Assist in monitoring return shipments of test materials from schools to the testing contractors and reconciling lists, and following up with schools as needed.
Inspect small samples of shipments, as necessary, to verify that established procedures have been followed to ensure the accurate delivery of test materials and reports.
Respond in ServiceNow to requests from schools to administer MCAS tests with an exception to standard procedures, consulting with supervisor as needed.
Support the Inclusive Assessment team in relation to accessibility features and accommodations on MCAS tests. Support will include reviewing, editing, and providing input on the Accessibility and Accommodations Manual, and responding to inquiries related to accessibility and accommodations from schools, districts, and families via phone and email.
Monitor MCAS Service Center call logs in order to maintain customer service standards.
Support MCAS test administration training webinars. Support includes reviewing/summarizing feedback from attendees’ survey responses, maintaining records of attendees and survey responses, and reviewing transcripts for posting.
Assist in development of test administration manuals, guides, and training webinars by providing input on testing procedures and paper-based administration as needed.
Maintain current knowledge and awareness of all SAS ongoing projects and assessments, including the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS), the MCAS Alternate Assessment (MCAS-Alt), and ACCESS, and provide accurate technical assistance and communication to internal and external customers, including monitoring the MCAS email box as a back-up, responding to emails when able and distributing other queries when needed.
Monitor testing systems before and during test administrations to ensure knowledge of any major or recurring issues affecting schools.
The successful candidate for this position will possess the following qualifications:
• excellent oral and written communication skills
• exceptional organizational skills
• strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• ability to learn quickly, perform well under tight timelines, work both independently and as a member of a team and collaborate with internal and external groups
• experience in public policy, education, assessment, or similar setting
• knowledge of MCAS and/or large-scale testing programs
• knowledge of accessibility features and accommodations, preferably for MCAS testing
• ability to multitask, manage multiple projects and schedules, set priorities and work efficiently while meeting deadlines
• ability to follow and give written and oral instructions in a precise and understandable manner
• intermediate to advanced skills in Microsoft office products, including Word and Excel
• knowledge of other software products such as Acrobat
• strong attention to detail and commitment to quality and accuracy
• ability to handle sensitive information
Travel may be required for this position.
Please include a resume and cover letter with your application.
Questions regarding this position or the application process should be directed to Dawn.E.DeRoche@mass.gov.
First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.Minimum Entrance Requirements:Applicants must have a Bachelor’s degree and at least four years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, professional educational experience in a specific or related content area, educational program/or service;
a Master’s degree or higher in a specific or related educational content area may be substituted for two years of the required experience -- 30 semester hours equals one year of experience for substitution purposes.
Special Requirements: Based on assignment, possession of a current and valid Massachusetts Class D Motor Vehicle Operator's License or the equivalent from another state may be required.
Comprehensive Benefits
When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.
Want the specifics?Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards
An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer.Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC)may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.
First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.Minimum Entrance Requirements:Applicants must have a Bachelor’s degree and at least four years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, professional educational experience in a specific or related content area, educational program/or service;
a Master’s degree or higher in a specific or related educational content area may be substituted for two years of the required experience -- 30 semester hours equals one year of experience for substitution purposes.
Special Requirements: Based on assignment, possession of a current and valid Massachusetts Class D Motor Vehicle Operator's License or the equivalent from another state may be required.
Comprehensive Benefits
When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.
Want the specifics?Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards
An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer.Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC)may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.