Scott Firkins is Director of Assessment Content in the Assessment Design and Development team at WestEd. He works closely with state departments of education, commercial vendors, and other clients to design and develop customized assessment solutions. He directs all assessment development—including summative, interim, formative, and diagnostic assessments—for large-scale deployment.
Firkins joined WestEd in 2003 as a Mathematics Content Specialist and served as the mathematics content lead on numerous large-scale assessment development projects. He also served as an analyst for research-based studies evaluating the alignment of assessments and standards; multiple sets of standards; and curriculum materials and standards. In 2008, Firkins transitioned to the role of Associate Director of Mathematics Development when he began managing all mathematics assessment development. In 2020, Firkins became Deputy Director of Assessment Content, overseeing assessment development in English language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies. And, in 2023, Firkins became Director of Assessment Content.
Prior to joining WestEd, Firkins was a middle and high school mathematics teacher. He also served as a Curriculum Supervisor and Director of Curriculum and Assessment.
Firkins received an AB in mathematics and an MA in secondary education from Western Kentucky University.