T-TRADE Assessment Item Development
What is T-TRADE?
The "Texas Teachers Review, Assess, Develop, and Exchange" (T-TRADE) initiative is an innovative, collaborative system for teachers to develop and share high-quality assessment items. In Summer 2021, the system was piloted with educators who had recent experience and expertise in either grade 5 mathematics or high school United States History Studies Since 1877. In Summer 2022, the pilot continued with an in-person training for grade 5 mathematics educators.
For Summer 2023, TEA is expanding the training to include grades 3-5 mathematics and grade 5 reading educators. The reading training is currently considered a pilot program. As the program continues, TEA looks to include additional content areas and grade levels in the future.
How does it work?
Participating teachers will travel to Austin to participate in item writing training, complete an item-writing assignment, and provide feedback through a peer review. Teachers will begin the item-writing assignment during the training; however, there will be some follow-up work after the meeting to write, review, and revise test items. The overall time commitment is approximately 40-50 hours. The item-writing assignment will include both multiple-choice and new question types.
Assessment items that are highly rated and will be moved to an educator review committee where they will be reviewed for field-testing and possible use on the state assessment.
What do participating teachers receive?
- Reading educators participating in the pilot can receive a stipend up to $750.
- Math educators participating in the training can receive up to $25 per item written (Maximum of $300).
- Up to 50 continuing professional education hours (CPE)
- The opportunity to connect and collaborate with other teachers across the state who teach the same content area and grade level
- Professional-level training on writing high-quality assessment items (multiple-choice and new question types)
- Learning the lens TEA uses to review items for the state assessment
Tell me more about the trip to Austin.
The next training will occur July 10-13, 2023. Daily activities will be held between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. CDT. An optional technology check and social will be held during early evening hours on July 9, 2023. Participants will need to bring their own laptop. Allowable travel expenses will be reimbursed including transportation, hotel, and meals.
How do I sign up?
TEA is now accepting applications from Texas educators with recent experience and expertise in grades 3-5 mathematics and grade 5 reading. Participants do not have to currently teach grades 3- 5 math or grade 5 reading but must have experience and familiarity with the content.
APPLY NOW! SEATS STILL AVAILABLE
To access the application in the Texas Assessment Learning Management System, log in or create an account with your email address. Select “Educator Committee” in the top right corner. At the end of the application, you will be asked to select a committee preference. Select “T-TRADE Assessment Item Development,” and then select the appropriate subject area and grade level.
If you have questions, please contact the Student Assessment Help Desk and reference T-TRADE in your message.