English Language Assessment and Applied Linguistics Specialist
Project Description
The Ministry of Public Education, Directorate of Quality Management and Evaluation (MEP-DGEC) in Costa Rica has requested the support of a Peace Corps Response Volunteer (PCRV) to serve as an English Language Assessment and Applied Linguistics Specialist. DGEC is the technical body responsible for all aspects related to academic evaluation and certification of the national educational tests, and it is in the process of changing the national evaluation of foreign languages from a norm-referenced assessment model (Baccalaureate Test) to a criteria-referenced assessment model. During this process, the DGEC has faced a number of limitations with the assembly and application of tests in virtual environments and with the goal of developing a digital platform to apply such tests. For this reason, the Directorate has identified a need for additional support from two PCRVs for these high-impact projects.
The PCRVs will work collaboratively with the DGEC's team of national English advisors to develop workshops and trainings and co-design digital resources and digital assessment tutorials. The PCRVs will also support the DGEC team to develop and pilot a platform for assembling digital tests that generates statistical information per student, educational center, regional office, as well as information regarding listening and reading language skills.
Please note that departure dates and other details of this project could change because of the uncertainties as Peace Corps and local partners resume volunteer operations. Candidates selected for this position will be arriving in Costa Rica together as a group, so while the departure dates for the whole group could change, dates cannot be changed for individual candidates.
Partner Information
Ministry of Public Education (MEP), Directorate of Quality Management and Evaluation MEP-DGEC
Required Skills
• High tolerance for ambiguity and high level of flexibility – some details of this project could change because of the uncertainties as Peace Corps and local partners resume volunteer operations
• Master's degree in education, preferably related to EFL or language assessment
• Two years of experience in standardized assessment by competencies, including psychometric analysis
• Experience in language test design projects, preferably including experience in virtual environments
• Intermediate high Spanish: the main counterparts can communicate proficiently in English, but Spanish will be needed to communicate with other staff who are not English professionals as well as for daily life interactions (getting to work, buying groceries, developing local relationships, etc.)
• Willingness to approach the position through the Peace Corps’ philosophy on development
The Peace Corps embraces and leverages the diversity of its volunteers as a reflection of America's diversity. Peace Corps Response is committed to reflecting the diversity of the United States in the professionals we send into the field to support the mission of world peace and friendship. Applicants with diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
Serving in Costa Rica
Learn more about the Volunteer experience in Costa Rica: Get detailed information on culture, communications, housing, and safety — including crime statistics [PDF] — in order to make a well-informed decision about serving.
Medical Considerations
Before you apply, please review Medical Information for Applicants to learn about the medical clearance process.
Does this sound like the position for you?
Get started on your journey.