Subject Matter Expert (SME) - ELA Assessment Authoring

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced English Language Arts (ELA) Assessment Author to develop and review assessment items aligned with state standards and test blueprints across seven US states for grades 3-8 and High School English I. This is a short-term, high-accuracy project requiring proven expertise in ELA instruction and assessment development.

Responsibilities

Collaborate with the Learning Design team to generate and review AI-generated and SME-authored ELA assessment items and passages.

Evaluate assessment items for content accuracy, clarity, pedagogical relevance and rigor, and alignment to state standards and Unpacked Standards Measurable Objectives (USMOs).

Ensure questions align with specified Depth of Knowledge (DOK) levels (30% DOK 1, 50% DOK 2, 20% DOK 3).

Adhere to client writing guidelines for assessment items and passages.

Author original assessment items and passages as needed, ensuring alignment with standards, pedagogical best practices, and client guidelines.

Qualifications

Required

Proven expertise as an ELA Subject Matter Expert (Grade 3-8 and High School English I content level).

Demonstrated experience in authoring rigorous assessment items for state or standardized testing.

Strong understanding of Depth of Knowledge (DOK) levels, particularly DOK Level 2 and DOK Level 3.

Strong understanding of the science of reading research and its impact on grades 3+.

Familiarity with various question types (multiple-choice, multiple-select, short-answer, fill-in-the-blanks, matching list, choice matrix, etc.).

Ability to maintain high accuracy and meet tight deadlines.

Preferred

Experience developing assessments for US state testing in CA, TX, FL, SC, OH, IN, and / or TN.

Familiarity with accessibility standards related to state requirements and the Canvas platform.

Prior experience in remote or project-based assessment development roles.

Inputs

To successfully complete the work, the SME will be provided with the following :

Alignment documents and curriculum maps

Release test items and passages

State assessment blueprints

Access to LMs KADAL AI in case you would like to leverage the same for generating content

Access to the relevant client guidelines