Overview
Scott Firkins is an expert in the development of content for high-stakes, large-scale assessments. As Director of Assessment Content of the Assessment Design and Development team, Firkins collaborates with state, district, and commercial clients to design and develop high-quality assessments capable of producing valid and reliable results.
Firkins directs all customized assessment development—including summative, interim, formative, and diagnostic assessments—for a variety of deployments in state, local, and commercial contexts. An experienced team of content specialists in English language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies works closely with clients to ensure assessment solutions are specific and relevant to client needs and requests.
Firkins has more than 20 years of experience in the assessment development industry, having joined WestEd in 2003 as a Mathematics Content Specialist. During his first 5 years with WestEd, he was the mathematics content lead on numerous large-scale assessment development projects. 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, followed by the transition to Director of Assessment Content in 2023. 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 for a public school system in the state of Kentucky.
Education
- Rank I Certification in Supervision K–12, Western Kentucky University
- MA in secondary education, Western Kentucky University
- BA in mathematics, Western Kentucky University
