About This Role
Working with data, research, and assessment science to improve educational outcomes for students across South Carolina is at the heart of this psychometrician role. The position involves solving complex problems, working with large datasets, and ensuring accuracy in statewide testing programs. You will coordinate and monitor psychometric projects related to state assessments to ensure tests are of high technical quality.
Responsibilities
- Coordinate and monitor statewide assessment projects for grades K-12
- Evaluate test materials for psychometric soundness, including reviewing test forms, score reports, and item analyses
- Conduct sampling, standard setting, equating, linking, and calibration activities aligned to assessment goals and psychometric best practices
- Collaborate with SCDE teams and external contractors to oversee scoring and reporting of statewide assessments
- Use SAS programming to perform quality-control checks on data files, merge datasets, and generate key assessment statistics at the state, district, school, and subgroup levels for public reporting
- Create, organize, and maintain both routine and technical documentation supporting state assessment programs
- Carry out SCDE research studies that inform educational policy, accountability, and program effectiveness
- Provide guidance and technical expertise to other offices as needed
- Perform additional duties as assigned by your supervisor
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree and experience in education, management or business
Nice to have:
- Master's degree or Ph.D. in measurement and statistics and five (5) years
- Intermediate to advanced SAS and SAS macro programming skills
- Experience in measurement theory (e.g., Rasch model and item response theory); cognitive test design and construction, including performance assessments; scoring and reporting; and analysis and interpretation of test data
- Strong organizational skills, including an ability to manage multiple priorities with competing demands for resources
- Commitment to continually building on existing knowledge and skills to be up to date on the latest technology and analysis innovations
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies
- Ability to foster a cooperative work environment while demonstrating sound judgement and making timely, effective decisions
Benefits
- Comprehensive benefits package
- Generous paid time off
- Preeminent health care benefits
- Professional development opportunities
- Pension
- 401(k)
- Hybrid work schedule with opportunity for remote work after one year of employment
- Health, Dental, Vision, Long Term Disability, and Life Insurance for Employee, Spouse, and Children
- 15 days annual (vacation) leave per year
- 15 days sick leave per year
- 13 paid holidays
- State Retirement Plan and Deferred Compensation Programs
Application Process
- Only those applicants chosen for an interview will be notified by letter that the position has been filled
About the Company
The mission of the South Carolina Department of Education (SCDE) is to serve students, support teachers, empower parents, and engage the community so that every student graduates prepared to reach their full potential.
