Frequently Asked Questions About Committee Participation

• How do I get involved in test development activities?

  The first step is to complete an application form and fax it to the Evaluation Systems group of Pearson ("Pearson") at (866) 565-4877 (toll free). Once an application is received by Pearson, it will be sent to the Washington Professional Educator Standards Board (PESB) for review. The PESB will then send out an invitation to eligible educators.

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

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

  • Test Development Conference. At this meeting, educators review draft test materials, including the test framework and the test items. Test Development Conferences are tentatively planned for late October 2007, late November 2007, and Summer/Fall 2008. The committee for each test field will typically meet for one 2-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 PESB. Passing Score Review Meetings, tentatively planned for September 2008 and September 2009, will typically be 1-day meetings.
    
    
  • Pilot Testing. If you are a faculty member in an educator preparation program, you can assist in pilot 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 pilot test session. Participating in the pilot test will allow students to preview the types of items that may be on the actual WEST–E tests. If you are interested in participating in pilot testing activities, please print the Pilot Test Participation Form and fax it to Pearson at (866) 565-4877 (toll free).
    
    

• What if I cannot participate in all of these test development activities?

  Although we would welcome your participation in each test development activity, we understand that educators have many other commitments and may not be able to participate in 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 PESB. 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.