About this role.
This contract role develops, reviews, formats, and revises K–12 assessment items for Instructure assessment products. The writer/editor aligns content to state standards, grade-level expectations, assessment blueprints, and required levels of rigor. Candidates need strong assessment-authoring or editing experience, preferably including technology-enhanced items in an assessment management system. Subject-matter expertise in ELA, math, science, or social studies is required, while teaching and educational publishing experience are preferred. The work is project-based, with variable and flexible hours negotiated per project.
Role DNA
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Job Complexity
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3/5Autonomy Level
5/5Communication Load
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Core skills
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Cover letter sample
Dear Hiring Team,
I am excited to apply for the Assessment Item Writer/Editor contract role, bringing experience in developing and reviewing rigorous K–12 assessment content aligned to academic standards.
I can create clear, grade-appropriate items, apply principles of Depth of Knowledge and text complexity, and provide constructive editorial feedback that strengthens item quality and validity.
I work independently, manage project-based deadlines reliably, and collaborate effectively with content teams to deliver polished assessments that meet blueprint and customer requirements.
I would welcome the opportunity to contribute high-quality assessment content to Instructure’s learning products.
Sample interview questions
I start by identifying the exact standard, grade-level expectations, and intended cognitive demand. I then draft an item that measures only the targeted skill, use accessible and age-appropriate language, create plausible distractors, and review it for bias, ambiguity, and unintended clues before submitting it for editorial review.
I use Depth of Knowledge to distinguish between recall, skill/concept application, strategic thinking, and extended thinking. For example, instead of asking students to identify a definition, I may ask them to apply the concept to a new scenario or justify their reasoning when the blueprint calls for a higher level of rigor.
I review the item for construct alignment, clarity, correctness, grade-level readability, fairness, and the quality of the answer choices. My feedback is specific and actionable, such as identifying an ambiguous stem, a distractor that is not plausible, or language that introduces unnecessary reading difficulty.
I use the assessment blueprint as the primary planning tool, tracking standards, item types, cognitive levels, and content coverage as I work. I maintain a checklist and conduct a final coverage review so the completed set is balanced and does not overrepresent a single skill or item format.
I clarify deliverables, formatting requirements, acceptance criteria, and deadlines at the beginning of each project. I break work into milestones, communicate early if a content issue may affect timing, and reserve time for quality assurance so that final materials are accurate and ready for use in the assessment system.
At Instructure, we believe in the power of people to grow and succeed throughout their lives. Our goal is to amplify that power by creating intuitive products that simplify learning and personal development, facilitate meaningful relationships, and inspire people to go further in their education and careers.
We do this by giving smart, creative, passionate people opportunities to create awesome. And that’s where you come in:
At Instructure, we believe in the power of people to grow and succeed throughout their lives. Our goal is to amplify that power by creating intuitive products that simplify learning and personal development, facilitate meaningful relationships, and inspire people to go further in their education and careers. We do this by giving smart, creative, passionate people opportunities to create awesome solutions.
And That’s Where You Come In:
Instructure’s Assessment Content Team is seeking freelance Assessment Writers and Editors to support the development of assessment products, including the Mastery View Predictive Assessments, Mastery View College Prep Assessments, and Mastery Item Banks. Item writers and editors will assist with the development of assessment products by creating, reviewing, formatting, and revising test items and assessments.
This is a contractor position with variable and flexible hours that are negotiated on a project-by-project basis.
This role is compensated on a per-project basis.
Responsibilities:
Work independently and collaboratively with the assessment content team to create, review, edit, and/or revise test items based on state standards and grade-level appropriateness to meet internal and external deadlines.
Execute against blueprints to develop well-rounded assessments to meet customer needs.
Requirements:
Strong professional assessment writing and/or editing experience – particularly experience authoring tech-enhanced items directly in an assessment management system
Strong understanding of what makes well-composed and balanced assessment items and forms
Ability to write assessment items for students in K-12th grade with a strong understanding of Depth of Knowledge, rigor, differentiation, text complexity, and readability
Deep knowledge of academic standards and how to design strongly-aligned assessments
Ability to provide constructive feedback regarding assessment items or design
Subject-matter expertise in ELA, math, science, or social studies
Experience in education; former teaching experience is a plus but is not required
Experience working with educational publishers is a plus
We’ve always believed in hiring the most awesome people and treating them right. We know that the more diverse we are, the more diverse our ideas will be and when we openly welcome those ideas, our environment is better and our business is stronger.
At Instructure we participate in E-Verify and yes, in case you didn’t catch it from the above, we are an Equal Opportunity Employer.
All Instructure employees are required to successfully pass a background check upon being hired.
Get in on all the awesome at Instructure!
We offer competitive, meaningful benefits in every country where we operate. While they vary by location, here’s a general idea of what you can expect:
Competitive compensation, plus all full-time employees participate in our ownership program – because everyone should have a stake in our success.
Flexible work culture. Our remote, hybrid and in-office collaboration spaces vary by role, team and location.
Generous time off, including local holidays and our annual “Dim the Lights” period in late December, when teams are encouraged to step back and recharge based on departmental needs.
Comprehensive wellness programs and mental health support
Learning and development resources, including professional development tools and tuition reimbursement, to support your growth
The technology and tools you need to do your best work
Motivosity employee recognition program
A culture rooted in inclusivity, support, and meaningful connection
We believe in hiring great people and treating them right. The more diverse we are, the better our ideas and outcomes.
Instructure is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We comply with applicable employment and anti-discrimination laws in every country where we operate.
All employees must pass a background check as part of the hiring process. To help protect our teams and systems, we’ve implemented identity verification measures. Candidates may be asked to verify their legal name, current physical location, and provide a valid contact number and residential address, in accordance with local data privacy laws.
Any attempt to misrepresent personal or professional information will result in disqualification.
Annual salary information is not provided for this position. Explore salary ranges for similar roles in our Salary Directory ›
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