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 apply online or print an application and fax it to (866) 565-4877. All applications should be submitted to the Evaluation Systems group of Pearson. Once an application is received by Evaluation Systems, it will be sent to the Oklahoma Commission for Teacher Preparation (OCTP) for review. The OCTP will then send out an invitation to eligible educators.

• What activities might I be involved in? What is the time commitment?

  You could be involved in the following types of test development activities:

  • Framework Review Conference. At this meeting, educators review the draft test framework for the test in their field. The draft framework for each field consists of a set of test competencies that will define the test content. 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 competencies. The Item Review Conference is typically a one-day or two-day meeting.
    
    
  • Marker Response Selection Meeting. 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" that illustrate each point on the scoring scale. Marker responses are then used in subsequent scorer training following test administrations. The Marker Response Selection Meeting is typically a one-day meeting.
    
    
  • Passing Score Review Meeting. 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 OCTP. The Passing Score Review Meeting is typically a one-day meeting.
    
    

• 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 most 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 a colleague who would like to attend. May I invite him or her to participate?

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