Expert-level professional with more than 20 years of progressive experience in proposal management, project management, and content development in large-scale K-12 educational assessment. Wrote and revised more than 80 proposals to state education departments, local school districts, and federal agencies. Guided development of corporate strategy, win themes, and differentiators, then integrated this information into proposal text. Researched and summarized information about advancements in large-scale assessment and K-12 education. Managed multi-year, multi-million-dollar assessment programs and development of internal technology systems.
Areas of expertise
- Strategy development
- Persuasive writing and communication
- Business development and capture management
- Proposal management
- Project management
- Writing about research
Professional experience
Proposal Manager, 2023-Present
Works with key subject matter experts and managers throughout the organization to plan and write winning proposals. Creates and manages proposal development schedule. Writes and edits proposal text. Manages the development of proposal templates, master technical proposal text, and proposal development process.
Director of Solution Design, 2014-2022
Developed large-scale assessment program solutions for use in proposals. Wrote large-scale assessment, professional learning, and school improvement proposals for state education agencies and districts. Aligned proposal text with win themes and client requirements. Evaluated competitors’ solutions and made strategy recommendations to company executives.
- Wrote and revised proposal text for key business wins in Massachusetts, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Vermont.
- Earned peer-to-peer recognition for improving proposal text and revising the budgeting process.
- Earned peer-to-peer recognition for taking part in the company’s MCAS (Massachusetts) proposal.
Group Manager, Mathematics (and Social Studies) Content Development, 2011-2014
Evaluated the performance of salaried and freelance content specialists. Monitored the quality and timeliness of math and social studies item development projects. Provided leadership and guidance to clients and stakeholders regarding content- and assessment-related issues.
- Obtained acceptance rate of more than 98% when clients initially reviewed items.
- Supervised the development of item specifications, aligned to college- and career-readiness mathematics standards, which were used to build a grades 3-8 assessment product.
Director, Curriculum and Assessment, 2008-2011
Monitored the quality and timeliness of item and test development activities. Managed and mentored a team of 30 content specialists and managers. Served as the company’s expert regarding test design and item development.
- Participated in proposal development that led to new business in Ohio and Rhode Island.
Assessment Development Manager and Program Manager, 2003-2008
Delivered large-scale assessment programs on time and within budget. Managed relationships with clients by providing leadership, opening communication, and managing relationships. Communicated client and contractual requirements throughout the organization. Resolved client issues.
- Earned a corporate-wide award for innovation by improving customer service for item writers who were using a new software tool.
- Doubled contract revenue and increased the project’s margin by 15% by applying Project Management Institute® (PMI) principles.
Additional experience
Managing Editor, 2006-2007
Assessment Specialist, Mathematics, 2001-2003
Mathematics Teacher, Grades 6-12, 999-2001
Mathematics Teacher, Grades 9-12, and Principal, 1993-1999
Education
Walden University, Master of Science in Education (Classroom Education), May 2002
Ithaca College, Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics (7-12), May 1993
Publications
Barrett, C. (2019). Instructionally-sensitive assessments. The Source. https://source.cognia.org/issue-article/instructionally-sensitive-assessments/
Barrett, C. & Kahl, S. (2016). Paper-based or computer-based testing? Whichever meets student needs. TeachThought, https://www.teachthought.com/technology/paper-based-or-computer-based-testing-whichever-meets-student-needs/
Licenses and certifications
Google Data Analytics Certificate (Coursera), July 2023
