Item Writer I

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Item Writer I

🔹 Company: Cambium Learning Group

🔹 Location: Remote, United States

🔹 Job Type: Remote

🔹 Category: ✍️ Copywriting & Content Writing

🔹 Date Posted: Tue Apr 01 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 0-3 years

🔹 Remote Status: Remote

📌 Essential Job Details

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Developing test passages and questions for various projects
• Moving content through internal review processes
• Collaborating in feedback reviews and applying suggested edits
• Performing final web approvals and post-review clean-up

ASSUMPTION: The role requires strong attention to academic standards and the ability to work independently while adhering to deadlines. It is assumed the work involves significant coordination with different team members.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Use state specifications to develop content

✅ Participate in group reviews, take notes, implement edits

✅ Understand and implement scoring techniques for a range of item types

✅ Independently develop passages

✅ Implement post client/committee edits, with direction

ASSUMPTION: Responsibilities may also include coordination with educational experts to ensure content meets learning objectives and compliance standards.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Education or a related field

Experience: 0-3 years’ experience

Required Skills:

• Analytical skills and attention to detail
• Ability to identify problems and conceptualize solutions
• Ability to prioritize and meet deadlines

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with online educational platforms
• Familiarity with standardized testing procedures

ASSUMPTION: The role demands a high level of precision and adherence to educational benchmarks. Familiarity with educational technologies is a potential advantage.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Not specified

Benefits:

• Remote work flexibility
• Professional development opportunities
• Comprehensive health benefits

Working Hours: Approximately 40 hours per week with flexibility for remote work

ASSUMPTION: Compensation likely aligns with industry standards for remote educational content roles, though specific details may depend on experience and negotiation.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: E-learning, focusing on literacy and educational assessment tools

Company Size: 501-1,000 employees, which offers a substantial network yet allows for individual contributions to be recognized

Founded: 1984

Company Description:

• Empowering students with literacy success through research-based solutions
• Providing professional learning and assessment tools to educators
• Playing a significant role in transforming educational practices across the U.S.

Company Specialties:

• RTI and 3-Tier educational systems
• Assessment and skill-building
• Learner-centered e-learning platforms

Company Website: https://www.lexialearning.com

ASSUMPTION: The company's size and established history suggest a stable work environment with opportunities for professional growth and access to extensive resources.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: Entry-level, suitable for recent graduates looking to start a career in educational content development

Reporting Structure: Likely reporting to a senior content developer or project manager

Work Arrangement: Primarily remote, with potential for occasional travel

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill development in educational content creation
• Advancement to senior item writer or project lead roles
• Opportunities to engage with cutting-edge e-learning technologies

ASSUMPTION: The role offers pathways to growth primarily via increased responsibility and specialization in specific content development areas.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Virtual office with remote-first culture

Office Location(s): Based in Concord, MA, though work is primarily remote

Geographic Context:

• Flexible work from anywhere within the United States
• Remote work requires reliable internet connectivity
• Periodic travel for team meetings or collaborations

Work Schedule: Flexible work hours aligning with project deadlines and meetings

ASSUMPTION: The remote-first policy implies a supportive work-life balance, adaptable to personal circumstances while ensuring team collaboration.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Initial application submission online
• Video interview with HR or Talent Acquisition
• Technical assessment related to item writing

Key Assessment Areas:

• Analytical thinking and problem-solving capabilities
• Attention to detail in content development
• Ability to collaborate and integrate feedback

Application Tips:

• Highlight relevant education and experience in content creation
• Showcase any experience with standardized testing or educational materials
• Provide examples of previous writing and review work

ATS Keywords: Item writing, educational content, standardized testing, remote work

ASSUMPTION: The interview process likely emphasizes adaptability to a remote work environment and competence in educational standards.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Standard content development software
• Online collaboration tools (e.g., Slack, Zoom)
• Data analysis tools for educational assessment

ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with basic office software and online communication platforms is essential; specific tools may vary by project requirements.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Commitment to educational excellence
• Inclusivity and diversity in work practices
• Innovation in learning technologies

Work Style:

• Collaborative and communicative within remote teams
• Autonomous work with accountability for deliverables
• Adaptable to changing project needs and feedback

Self-Assessment Questions:

• Am I comfortable working remotely with limited supervision?
• Do I have a keen eye for detail and a passion for education?
• Can I effectively manage feedback and integrate it into my work?

ASSUMPTION: The cultural environment values innovation and cross-functional collaboration, with an emphasis on achieving educational impact.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing deadlines in a remote setting
• Navigating different educational standards and specifications
• Adapting to iterative feedback processes
• Balancing multiple project demands

ASSUMPTION: Potential challenges stem from the dynamic nature of educational content development, requiring a balance of creativity and logistical planning.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• Compared to a curriculum developer, this role is more focused on assessment items rather than full-scale educational content.
• Unlike a traditional teacher role, it is less student-facing and more behind-the-scenes in content creation.
• Compared to a freelance writer, this position offers more structured growth and collaboration opportunities.

ASSUMPTION: Roles within educational content creation vary widely; emphasis here is on item-specific development within structured team settings.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing test items tailored to state standards
• Participating in team workshops to refine content
• Conducting quality assurance checks on educational materials

ASSUMPTION: Projects may include cross-collaboration with educational experts and require adherence to changing educational requirements.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• How does Cambium support ongoing professional development for item writers?
• What is the typical team size and structure for projects?
• How are feedback and revisions typically managed within the team?
• What are the primary goals for the item writer role in the coming year?
• How does the company communicate changes in educational standards?

ASSUMPTION: Interviews may focus on fit and potential contribution to team goals, as well as adaptability and forward-thinking in educational contexts.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through their specified online system such as LinkedIn or company website
• Ensure your resume includes relevant keywords related to educational content development
• Prepare for a video interview focusing on your analytical and problem-solving skills
• Gather examples of past work to discuss during the interview process
• Reach out to current or past employees on professional networks for insights

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.