Office of Instruction, Assessment, and Curriculum
NECAP and RIAA Test Development Committee Information
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Committee Applications Information
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Item Review Committee (IRC) Information
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Bias & Sensitivity Committee Information
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Commitments for Participation
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Each year the Office of Instruction, Assessment and Curriculum offers two opportunities
for classroom teachers and other educators to participate in the development of the NECAP tests
for grade 3-8 and 11 in reading, writing, and mathematics and for grades 4, 8, and 11
in science. As new items are developed for the tests, educators are needed to
review the passages and items for such things as:
- alignment to the GLEs/GSEs
- correct Depth of Knowledge levels
- Universal Design principals, and
- bias and sensitivity concerns.
Teacher committees are essential to the work of creating a valid and reliable assessment system. Many educators have participated in these committees and have learned a lot not only from the process but also from the educators representing all four NECAP States (Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont). Below are answers to common questions about participation:
Application:
Educators must complete an application and meet minimum criteria in order to be considered for participation on one of the committees. NOTE: Even if you have applied and/or attended in the past you still must complete an application each year in order to be considered for participation.
Location:
The “Item Review Committee” (IRC) and “Bias & Sensitivity Review Committee” meetings are held in various locations throughout New England. Those selected for participation on one of the committees do not have to worry about hotel accommodations, as reservations are made for each participant and expenses are covered.
Transportation:
Once participants have been selected, it is their responsibility to arrange for transportation to and from the meetings of the committee to which they’ve been assigned.
Mileage:
Participants who drive their own cars are reimbursed for mileage and tolls to and from the meetings. Forms for mileage are handed out at each meeting.
Meals:
Participants are reimbursed $25.00/night for dinner. Breakfasts and lunches are provided as needed. Forms for meal reimbursements are handed out at each meeting.
Substitute Reimbursements/Teacher Stipends:
Substitute reimbursements of $100.00/day will be available. Forms to receive the substitute reimbursement/stipends are handed out at each meeting.
Committee Assignment:
Please remember that because NECAP assessments are designed to measure the prior year’s GLEs, you may be placed on a committee that does not reflect the grade you currently teach. For example, if you are a 4th grade teacher, you may be placed on the 5th-6th grade IRC Committee because the 5th grade NECAP tests measure 4th grade GLEs.
Below you will find the applications for participation on each committee as well as information such as when and where meetings will be held, who to contact at RIDE if you have questions, the purpose of each committee, and the criteria for participation.
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Item Review Committee (IRC)
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As part of preparing assessment items for field-testing, NECAP reading, writing, mathematics, and science items are reviewed each year for alignment to the appropriate Grade Level/Grade Span Expectations, targeted Depth of Knowledge level, Universal Design, and instructional relevance. This work is done by grade-level content-specific teams comprising mathematics, reading, writing, and science educators from each of the NECAP states.
To qualify, educators should meet the following criteria for participation on an Item Review Committee (IRC):
ü have advanced knowledge and experience with the Grade Level and/or Grade Span Expectations (GLEs/GSEs),
ü have experience teaching at the relevant grade cluster, and
ü be willing and able to work intensively on a team for three consecutive days.
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Bias and Sensitivity Committee
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As part of preparing assessment items for field-testing, NECAP reading passages and all test items are reviewed each year to ensure that they are free from language or content that may negatively impact the test performance of a specific group of students. This work is done by a team of educators from each of the NECAP states who represent a specific subgroup (e.g., racial, ethnic or religious groups, rural or urban interests, individuals with disabilities, recent immigrants, English language learners) or have direct experience working with students from these subgroups. The Bias & Sensitivity review occurs in two phases. The first phase is the review and rating of passages. The second phase is the review and rating of test items.
To qualify, educators should meet the following criteria:
ü have current and direct experience teaching or working with students,
ü offer a unique perspective on one or more specific student subgroups,
ü be willing and able to work intensively with a team of educators for two or more consecutive days, and
ü have some experience with the GLEs/GSEs.
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Commitments for Participation On A Committee
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If you are selected to participate on one of the committees,
you must be prepared to fulfill the following conditions.
1. To be present on each day by 8:00 a.m. unless otherwise noted.
2. To be flexible in the event that alternate dates need to be scheduled.
3. To commit to the entire process, including staying until all tasks are finished.
NOTE: Committee members should be prepared to leave no earlier than 4 p.m. on the last day of their scheduled meetings.
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