The Center for Applied Linguistics (CAL) is recruiting professional item writers to write selected response Listening and Reading items for a large-scale English language proficiency assessment for Grades 1-12. Item writing is scheduled for late May to mid-August. Consultancy contracts are short-term but may be renewed based on item-writing performance and item-development needs.
Essential Duties
- Attend a virtual item writer orientation session
- Conduct research and develop outlines based on given assignments for a specified topic, grade level, and proficiency-level range
- Meet with CAL staff reviewers to discuss folder outlines
- Submit initial drafts of items
- Revise initial drafts based on feedback from CAL staff reviewers
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities
- Strong writing skills
- Experience with item writing for formal English language proficiency tests (OR) for informal classroom assessments for English learners
- Good communication skills, attention to detail, and ability to consistently meet deadlines
Application Process
- Complete the Professional Item Writer Application Form
- Email your resume and a writing sample to jfroemsdorf@cal.org with “CAL Professional Item Writing Opportunity” in the subject line. (Word or PDF format only)
- Writing samples should be from previous school or professional assignments
- Texts written for a K-12 educational context and/or relevant to the content areas of math, science, social studies, or language arts are preferred
- No more than 1 page in length
Compensation:
$100/item (including a unique passage)
Please submit your application by 11:59 PM ET on Thursday, March 26, 2026. Questions about this opportunity? Contact Johannah Froemsdorf, Test Development Project Manager, at jfroemsdorf@cal.org.
