Multi-State Alternate Assessment Item Content and Bias Review - Science

The Multi-State Alternate Assessment (MSAA) Partners (America Samoa, Arizona, BIE, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, Maine, U.S. Virgin Islands and Vermont), in collaboration with Cognia are inviting a team of diverse educators to participate in a content and bias review of science field test items developed for the 2025 administration of the assessment.

Apply to be one of the review panels here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/IRCScience2024

Selected panelists will need to commit to the following:

• Training: Attend a live (virtual) orientation training on Monday, June 17, 2024, from 3 - 5 p.m. ET.
• Review: Complete review of content and bias for science items for the grade you are assigned (Gr. 5, 8 or HS). Please allot for approximately three hours total to complete your independent review. The review period is scheduled Monday through Friday morning, so that you may complete your review at a time and pace that best suits your schedule.
• Submit work: Upload your feedback from your review to the secure File Transfer Protocol (FTP) site by 8 a.m. ET on June 21. FTP account information will be provided to you.
• June 21: Attend the virtual Group Feedback Session for the grade you are assigned

The schedule of activities for this review:

• Monday, June 17
  •  3 to 5 p.m. ET: Large group orientation/guided practice and tech check (virtual)
• Monday, June 17 through Friday, June 21
  • Panelists complete an independent review of item content and bias for the items in their assigned grade.
  • Panelists must upload feedback forms to the FTP by 8 a.m. ET on Friday, June 21.
• Friday, June 21
  • 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. ET: Grade 5 - Virtual Group Feedback Discussion (Required for grade 5 panelists.)
  • 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. ET: Grades 8 and 11 - Virtual Group Feedback Discussion (two breakout groups) (Required for grade 8 and high school panelists.)

Substitute Reimbursement/Stipend 

If you are selected to participate in this review, you may be eligible for a stipend or substitute reimbursement.

The actual cost of substitute expenses will be paid to the school district for individuals who must take leave to participate in the Science Item Content and Bias Review virtual group feedback discussion on Friday, June 21.

Individuals who complete the independent review and attend the group discussion, who are not being paid under contract, or who chose to complete the work outside of their typical contracted day, will be provided a $150.00 stipend. A stipend request form will be provided to you.

For individuals under contract, who will be completing the work during the contracted day without a substitute, neither applies and no reimbursement or stipend is provided.   

If you are considering the opportunity to participate and would like additional information, please contact your MSAA State Coordinator, Donald Griffin, donald.griffin@bie.edu, (703) 282-3316.