Become an assessment specialist in education, candidates will need to obtain a bachelor’s degree in education and a graduate degree in educational assessment or evaluation. Educational assessment specialists work with students to determine their needs and help them locate appropriate academic resources. Their work includes everything from placing children with special needs in appropriate classrooms to helping with juvenile prisoners complete their educations, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Earn an Undergraduate Degree
The Bachelor of Science in Education (BSE) is the standard undergraduate degree program for future educators. The guiding philosophy of these programs is to provide students with the skills and knowledge that empower them to become effective and competent educators. For example, someone who wants to work with elementary students can specialize in early childhood education. This degree program will provides students with field experience with different grades and content. These student teaching experiences are designed to help candidates reach state standards and certification licensure. Classes on child development will examine how children and teenagers grow by analyzing the social and physical factors that impact their cognitive, language and personal development. Classes on curriculum development explore how to develop and implement appropriate curriculum for different students.
Earn a Graduate Degree
Many educational assessment specialists will need a graduate degree with a specialization in academic assessments or evaluations. For instance, education finance courses focus on issues and practices that directly impact schools and individual students. Students learn about academic topics related to state and federal scholarships and other financial resources. Classes on supervision for instructional improvement will prepare students by teaching them how to apply supervisory techniques in academic settings. Students are prepared to help their future schools improve curriculum, instruction and teacher practices. Studying research methodologies prepares students to apply analytical data to planning lessons, instructional objectives and academic objectives. Other classes will cover educational testing, grading standards and quantitative assessment methods.
Choose a Graduate Certificate
Those who do not have the time or resources to finish a master’s degree can obtain a graduate level certificate in educational assessments. These certificate programs provide up-to-date information about assessment practices and help students quickly develop basic skills and applied knowledge. For example, students will debate policy issues and how policies affect assessment practices in schools. Students will develop professional evaluation skills, so they will know how to consult, provide feedback and perform complex educational assessments. Programs will teach students how to identify appropriate statistical analyses and measurement tools for specific assessment situations. Finally, students will develop the necessary interpersonal and consultation communication skills.
Job Description
Educational assessment specialists implement academic objectives for students and policies for school programs. They measure individual and collective performances against goals and update plans accordingly to incoming information. For example, they may monitor special education staff to assure that they provide their students with appropriate resources. They regularly meet with staff and students to resolve issues, communicate new plans and deal with academic concerns. Educational assessment specialists must develop and maintain a strong knowledge base regarding their specialized areas, such as curriculum development, psychometric testing and special education laws. Senior educational assessment specialists will ensure that their school or school district maintain compliance with local, state and federal regulations.
Related Resource: Academic Advisor
In order to successfully become an assessment specialist in education, candidates should pursue internships and jobs that provide exposure to educational settings.
