Assessment Specialist

Overview

Job Summary This position is located in the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE), Division of Data, Assessments, and Research. The Division of Data, Assessments, and Research (DAR) is charged with creating and communicating a picture of the District’s educational landscape, and with using data to improve student outcomes and drive system improvements at all levels. Within DAR, the Office of Assessments is responsible for designing, developing, implementing, and reporting out on the District’s Next Generation Assessment system of statewide summative assessments.

In partnership with key stakeholders, the Office of Assessments creates a comprehensive educational assessment program that: accurately measures student performance; produces actionable data; and provides tools, guidance, and training to empower Local Education Agencies (LEAs) to meet the needs of all learners and make informed decisions. We are looking for an Assessment Specialist, Science that has a passion for our mission, for measuring student performance on academic standards, and for empowering stakeholders to use assessment data to make data-driven decisions.

The Assessment Specialist, Science will report to the Deputy Director of Assessments.

Duties And Responsibilities The Assessment Specialist, ensures that the District of Columbia meets all requirements in the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA), as amended, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), and District of Columbia code and regulations regarding assessment of and accountability for special populations. Serves as primary point of contact and technical resource for local education agencies on State standards, testing policies and procedures, and accountability for special populations.

Develops, coordinates and oversees project plans and timelines relevant to development and implementation of standards, assessments, and accountability systems for special populations. Coordinates and monitors contracts entered into by OSSE for the development, administration and/or scoring of assessments for special populations and/or analysis and reporting of assessment results for special populations. Coordinates relevant activities, technical assistance and communications among internal and external stakeholders serving special populations in the areas of standards, assessments and accountability.

Specialized

Experience:

Experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled. To be creditable, specialized experience must have been equivalent to at least the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization.

Specialized experience can include but not be limited to serving as a testing coordinator, previous experience as a science educator working with grades 3-12, understanding of NGSS and national trends in K-12 science standards, policy, and implementation, or experience providing professional development to science educators.

Experience of educational testing such as large scale test development, protocols for ensuring the technical quality of assessments; standard-setting and scaling procedures;
Item-Response Theory; and the ability to interpret, analyze, and communicate assessment data to various audiences is highly preferred.

Previous experience working in DCPS or District of Columbia public charter schools is preferred.

Licenses and Certifications None.

Work is normally performed in an office environment. Occasionally, the incumbent may be required to visit various locations within the District of Columbia.

Tour of Duty: Varies

Duration of Appointment: This is an Education Service (ES) “At-Will” Appointment. All positions in the Education Service serve at the pleasure of the appointing authority and may be terminated at any time with or without cause.

Promotion Potential: No known promotional potential

Plan, Series, Grade: CS…