Jennifer Dunn, Ph.D., Named as Questar Assessment's Vice President of Psychometrics and Research
MINNEAPOLIS, MN / ACCESSWIRE / November 9, 2017 / Questar Assessment Inc., Questar Assessment Inc., a wholly-owned, independently-operated subsidiary of Educational Testing Service (ETS) and a K-12 assessment solutions provider focused on building a bridge between learning and accountability and raising expectations about what it means to be an assessment partner, announced today that Dr. Jennifer Dunn has been named the company's vice president of psychometrics and research.
Dr. Dunn comes to Questar with operational psychometric expertise in all areas of assessment - test design, test construction, psychometric analyses, and reporting - and an understanding of the implications decisions made during the development process can have on the valid use of results. As a 15-year veteran of the assessment industry, Dr. Dunn brings a deep knowledge of psychometric principles and a practical understanding of how they can be adapted to better measure student performance and inform educational policy decisions. In this newly-created position, Dr. Dunn will provide day-to-day leadership and management of the company's psychometric team, while also advising clients on the implications assessment decisions might have on state education policy and most importantly, students, parents, and educators.
"Questar's growth in recent years, along with the increasing complexity of the educational assessment landscape, created a demand in our organization for an exceptional psychometrician with a very specific skill set," said Steve Lazer, Questar's president and chief executive officer. "Jennifer Dunn is exactly that psychometrician. Her impeccable educational credentials and her unique professional experiences have positioned her as a leader in the educational assessment industry, and I have already seen her positive effect on our staff and our clients."
Before joining Questar, Dr. Dunn served as a senior associate for The National Center for the Improvement of Educational Assessment, Inc., where she supported the Center in merging advanced technical measurement knowledge with contemporary policy and large-scale practice to improve assessment and accountability in support of student learning. Prior to joining the Center for Assessment, she held positions of increasing responsibility at Measured Progress. In her role as director of psychometrics, research, data, and reporting services, she led a team of 30 psychometricians, statistical analysts, data processors, report programmers, and quality assurance specialists, who were responsible for the operational activities and research initiatives needed to support the analyses and reporting of more than 25 assessment programs and products. Dr. Dunn also served as the primary psychometric advisor for Measured Progress, providing strategic psychometric support through the design and implementation of research initiatives that inform all aspects of educational assessment.
Dr. Dunn maintains active involvement in the psychometric community by presenting at industry conferences and publishing articles so that she can continue to understand the new developments in the industry and what they mean for the educational community.
Dr. Dunn maintains active involvement in the psychometric community by presenting at industry conferences, contributing to the psychometric literature, mentoring new graduates and contributing to AERA, NCME, and the Psychometric Society. An accomplished speaker, in 2016 Dr. Dunn presented "Using Data to Motivate Change" at a TEDxPiscataquaRiver event. Dr. Dunn earned her Ph.D. and Master of Arts degrees in measurement and evaluation from the University of Toronto and her Bachelor of Science degree (a joint honors degree in kinesiology and psychology) from the University of Waterloo in Ontario, Canada.
About Questar Assessment Inc.
Questar Assessment Inc. is a K-12 assessment solutions provider focused on building a bridge between learning and accountability. As a wholly-owned, independently-operated subsidiary of Educational Testing Service (ETS), we share a belief that better measurement solutions can make a positive impact on education. We take a fresh and innovative approach to design, delivery, scoring, analysis, and reporting. And we are reimagining how assessment can empower educators by giving them the insights they need to improve instructions and fully prepare students for college or career. Our high-quality, reliable assessment products and services are easily scaled and tailored to meet the specific needs of states and districts at an unprecedented valued. Educators trust our high-performing teams and dependable technology to minimize risks and ensure success for states, districts, schools, and students. Questar is based in Minneapolis, Minnesota and can be reached at questarai.com or 800-800-2598.
SOURCE: Questar Assessment Inc.
