Item Writer

An Item Writer is responsible for creating questions, items or tasks and appropriate supporting marking instructions for Course assessments under the direction of the Principal Assessor and/or Item Bank Leader which must be undertaken within the conditions, timeframes and arrangements set by SQA.

The primary role is to work with the Principal Assessor and other SQA appointees to ensure consistent application of national standards and subject specific integrity of decision-making in relation to Course assessment arrangements.

These activities will be under the direction of the Principal Assessor and staff from SQA's Qualifications Development and Operations business directorates as appropriate. There may be a requirement to undertake duties during weekends and holiday periods.

Outline of duties

• Produce new question(s)/item(s)/task(s) and marking instructions in accordance with the item specification and guidance from the Item Bank Leader and/or Principal Assessor. New question(s)/item(s)/tasks(s) and marking instructions must be of a suitable standard in terms of validity, reliability, accuracy, content, degree of difficulty, spelling and grammar.
• Identify sources and copyright requirements for submission along with question(s)/item(s)/task(s) and marking instructions by specified dates.
• Ensure activities are concluded by specified dates and assist in ensuring resources are used effectively and efficiently.
• Support SQA with continuous improvement developments.
• Item Writers may be asked to undertake additional activities. These activities will attract additional payment and could include the following:
• carry out in-service training as appropriate
• participate in workshops/seminars/networking events
• contribute to understanding standards activities

Selection criteria

Essential characteristics

Successful candidates must:

• currently be delivering the Course (or a closely-related Course) and be able to demonstrate excellence in assessing to the national standard
• have experience in other key appointee roles demonstrating competence in assessing to the national standard within their subject and level(s)
• be able to demonstrate creative ability to generate assessment items
• be able to communicate and engage professionally, confidently and effectively with other appointees and SQA staff both orally and in writing
• be able to work professionally and co-operatively with other appointees and SQA staff
• be able to demonstrate good forward planning and time management skills and adhere to deadlines
• have a home computer or laptop with broadband internet connection and a private e-mail address

Key Performance Measures for Item Writer

On completion of the duties outlined in the Item Writer contract specification, the Item Writer will be measured against the following Key Performance Measures and informed of the outcome in relation to their performance.

• Produce new question(s)/item(s)/task(s) and marking instructions in accordance with the item specification and SQA policy and instructions by specified dates.
• Identify sources and copyright requirements for submission along with question(s)/item(s)/task(s) and marking instructions by specified dates.
• Demonstrate behaviours outlined in the Terms and Conditions of Appointment which support SQA's values.