Frequently Asked Questions About Committee Participation

• How do I get involved in test development activities?

  The first step is to fill out and submit an application. You may print an application and fax it to the Evaluation Systems group of Pearson. Once an application is received by Evaluation Systems, it will be sent to the New York State Education Department (NYSED) for review. The NYSED will then send out an invitation to eligible educators.

• In what activities might I participate? What is the time commitment?

  For test fields undergoing additional test item development, you could be involved in the following types of test development activities:

  • Framework Review Conference. At this meeting, educators review the draft test objectives and test specifications for the test in their field. The Framework Review Conference is typically a one-day meeting.
  • Item Review Conference. At this meeting, educators review draft test items to confirm that they correspond to the approved test objectives. The Item Review Conference is typically a one-day or two-day meeting.
  • Marker Response Review Conference. This meeting is held only for those tests that have constructed-response assignments. At this meeting, educators review field-test responses to the constructed-response assignment(s) and select a set of "marker responses," which illustrates each point on the scoring scale. Marker responses are then used in subsequent scorer training following test administrations. The Marker Response Review Conferenc is typically a one-day meeting.
  • Passing Score Review Conference. This meeting occurs close to the first administration of the test. At this meeting, educators participate in a process for recommending a passing score for the test to the NYSED. The Passing Score Review Conference is typically a one-day meeting.
  • Field Testing. If you are a teacher preparation faculty member, you can assist in field testing the draft test items for your field by encouraging your students to participate. You may do this by volunteering class time or asking students to attend a field-test session. Participating in the field test will allow students to preview the types of items that may be on the actual NYSTCE tests.
  
  

• What if I cannot attend all of these meetings?

  Although we would welcome your participation at each test development meeting, we understand that educators have many other commitments and may not be able to attend all of the meetings. Your participation in any of the meetings would be very much appreciated.

• How does my school district get reimbursed for a substitute teacher? How do I get reimbursed for my mileage?

  You will receive reimbursement forms and information about completing them at each meeting.

• Do I make my own hotel reservations?

  We make all hotel reservations for committee members and provide you with a confirmation letter.

• I have colleagues who would like to attend. May I invite them to participate?

  All participants need to submit an application, which must be approved by the NYSED. Please ask your colleague to obtain and submit an application from this Web site.

• If I submit an application, how soon will I know if I am invited to participate?

  Generally, you will have an answer within two weeks of receipt of your application. You will receive the answer by phone, fax, e-mail, or letter.