How To Volunteer For Exam Process

Sunburned_Surveyor · Post by **Sunburned_Surveyor** » Tue Aug 05, 2008 8:00 am

I'd like to know how I would sign up to participate in the process used to administer and grade the California State Specific Exam. I didn't see a way to do this on the board's website.

Do I just send an e-mail expressing my desire to volunteer to this e-mail address?

BPELS_Office@dca.ca.gov

Thanks for any suggestions.

The Sunburned Surveyor

E_Page · Post by **E_Page** » Tue Aug 05, 2008 8:25 am

BPELS website, 6th bullet from the top "Subject Matter Experts Wanted".

Contact Denise Tomlinson at BPELS for details as to how best to get involved. Your best bets will be participating in the field test of the upcoming exam (kind of a reality check on exam difficulty) and in grading.

BTW, congratulations, Mr. Blake, PLS.

Sunburned_Surveyor · Post by **Sunburned_Surveyor** » Tue Aug 05, 2008 9:22 am

Thanks Mr. Page. Your help and encouragement over the last couple of years was appreciated.

I figured I'd get involved in the exam process while it was still fresh in my mind. I had some specific suggestions if they'll listen. :]

I'll get in touch with Denise Tomlinson.

Scott Tikalsky · Post by **Scott Tikalsky** » Tue Aug 05, 2008 4:00 pm

S/S;

First of all, congratulations. Kris is getting quite a team over there. I'm jealous. After the first of the year, the Board will send out a request for "Subject Matter Experts" for exam grading. You should receive one of those letters around April or so. Make sure you respond to it! Don't be shy regarding what subjects you have "Expert" knowledge in also. Usually around May they will let you know if you have been selected to help grade. The process always needs new people to become involved. It keeps people like me from becoming jaded.;) Anyway, that's how it works as far as I know. Ric can jump in fill in more if he needs to.

Congrats again!

Gromatici · Post by **Gromatici** » Wed Aug 06, 2008 12:01 am

paranoia runs deep when your taking the exam. I found out that the process is fair and reasonable. I blame myself and my poor testing abilities for failing in the past. It was a great experience and I hope I get invited back.

PLS7393 · Post by **PLS7393** » Thu Aug 07, 2008 12:42 pm

And another congratulations to you!

Sitting on the grading team will strengthen your knowledge on the process, and you will see what so many do not understand. I recommend everyone to sit and help grade. Unfortunately they don't need as many individuals now that there is the NCEES exam portion, and only 4 hours state specific. Thats when they didn't need me anymore, and I've been trying to get back on the grading team, cause like Scott said, it is very informative!

Jump in with two feet and don't stop, but you said, "I had some specific suggestions" careful when you bring up your ideas to the board.