Programmer III

Agency Information

The Texas Education Agency (TEA) oversees primary and secondary public education in Texas and is committed to improving outcomes for all public school students by providing leadership, guidance, and support to school systems across the state.

• We are Determined:
  We are committed and intentional in pursuing our primary purpose of improving outcomes for students.
• We are People-Centered:
  We strive to attract, develop, and retain committed talent that reflects the diversity of Texas, with each individual contributing to our shared vision for students.
• We are Learners:
  We seek evidence, reflect on outcomes, and continuously improve in pursuit of excellence for students.
• We are Servant Leaders:
  We are public servants committed to improving opportunities for students and supporting those who serve them.

TEA's Performance Reporting division seeks to ensure continuous improvement in the academic achievement of all Texas public school students by
1) developing and implementing a transparent, rigorous, and fair academic accountability system and
2) providing accurate and comprehensive academic performance reporting systems, tools, and trackers.

The TPRS Data and Federal Reporting (TDFR) team processes indicators for the Texas Performance Reporting System (TPRS) and implements the federal accountability reporting requirements. The Programmer III will perform highly complex SAS and computer programming work in support of the state and federal accountability system. This is a senior level programmer position that works under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

This position requires up to 5% travel, based on business needs, to support program initiatives, collaboration, and operational priorities.

Flexible work location within the state of Texas may be considered for qualified candidates.

Please note that a resume is a required attachment for applying to this position. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Applicants who are strongly being considered for employment must submit to a national criminal history background check.

Job duties are not limited to the essential functions mentioned below. You may perform other functions as assigned.

Develops, maintains, and executes complex SAS programs to process school and district-level performance and demographic data for publication in the Texas Academic Performance Report (TAPR) and Texas Performance Reporting System (TPRS). Performs comprehensive quality assurance and validation checks, investigates data anomalies, and resolves programming or data issues. Documents processing logic, data sources, and outcomes to ensure transparency and continuity across reporting cycles.

Owns and processes TPRS/TAPR Student and Staff Profile data. Reviews prior years documentation and SAS programs, and analyzes changes in source data and requirements. Generates profile datasets (student-level and campus, district, region, and state aggregates), including the Attendance mega file and Attendance Rates. Produces Student and Staff Profile web reports for TPRS, as well as Kindergarten Readiness web reports. Documents processes and changes, responds to data requests related to the Student and Staff Profile, and provides support to other projects related to the Student and Staff Profile.

Participates in federal accountability data processing, including equity gap analysis and minority and poverty-related measures. Develops and reviews SAS programs to calculate federal indicators in alignment with federal requirements. Performs validation and quality checks to ensure accuracy and consistency of federal reporting outputs. Documents methodologies and supports internal review and analysis related to federal accountability reporting.

Generates ad-hoc reports and data extracts in response to internal and external requests related to state and federal accountability reporting. Translates data requests into technical specifications and efficient SAS solutions. Ensures ad-hoc outputs meet data quality standards and are appropriately documented. Manages multiple requests while maintaining accuracy, timeliness, and responsiveness.

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university.

At least three (3) years of experience in programming or data analysis

An advanced degree may substitute for two years of required experience

• Experience with SAS programming language, constructs, IDEs (e.g. SAS Studio and SAS Enterprise Guide) and standards for writing and reviewing complex programming, data validation techniques, and working with large databases
• Experience and proficiency of SAS programming language required (Base SAS, SAS…