Search This Blog

Monday, September 29, 2008

Providence School Department

PROVIDENCE SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
797 WESTMINSTER STREET
PROVIDENCE, RI 02903-4045
OFFICE OF HUMAN RESOURCES

ANNOUNCEMENT OF AN ADMINISTRATIVE VACANCY
“CONTINGENT UPON FEDERAL FUNDING”

TITLE: DIRECTOR OF RESEARCH, PLANNING AND ACCOUNTABILITY

LOCATION: OFFICE OF THE CHIEF ACADEMIC OFFICER
ADMINISTRATION BUILDING

SALARY RANGE:$79,249 – $90,256
This is a 12-Month, Non-Union Position

NOTE:
Interviews for all open until filled positions can begin 10 days after the initial opening date and continue until the position is filled. Applicants who submit an application after the 10th day of initial posting may not be called for an interview if interviews have been scheduled or if a successful candidate is selected. All open until filled positions are expunged 6 months after the initial opening date.

JOB SPECIFICATION:
The Director of Research, Planning and Accountability will develop and implement a comprehensive assessment framework aligned with the district goals and objectives, as well as ensure the scientific integrity of district research, evaluation, and assessment efforts so as to support the district in continued efforts to provide an effective, quality education for all students.

DUTIES:

• Develop, maintain, and implement a comprehensive assessment framework for the district.
• Engage in on-going evaluation of data collection tools used in the district, identifying and developing tools that address data gaps.
• Maintain and implement annual calendars that define and coordinate local and state assessment efforts.
• Develop and implement clearly defined processes for validating data.
• Review and approve all research projects conducted within the district based on defined policy, guidelines, and processes.
• Develop and implement a multi-year evaluation plan that is aligned to district goals and objectives.
• Disseminate appropriate data and information to administrators, Board of Education, and key stakeholders.
• Develop and maintain data dissemination tools, such as data dashboards, office website, and podcasts.
• Give presentations to Board of Education and other stakeholder groups on research, evaluation, and assessment purposes, efforts and results.
• Develop and implement a multi-year professional development plan to support district staff in on-going development of necessary assessment, data use, and decision making knowledge and skills.
• Foster and develop partnerships with local and state entities, including area colleges and universities, to expand capacity to conduct research and evaluation aligned with district goals.
• Adhere to ethical guidelines defined by the American Psychological Association (APA).
• Manage the office within the defined budgetary parameters for the given fiscal year.
• Assume other duties as may from time to time be delegated by supervisor.


QUALIFICATIONS:
• Master degree in Educational Psychology or Psychology with an emphasis on research, assessment or program evaluation, with a preference toward a Doctorate degree with similar emphasis

• A minimum of 5 years experience developing and conducting research or program evaluations in a K-12 public school setting, preferably in an urban public school setting
• Research and evaluation project management experience
• A minimum of 3 years experience supervising staff
• Working knowledge of assessment tools that measure various constructs defining student achievement
• Working knowledge of standardized assessments, their administration protocol and interpretation and use of resulting data
• Direct experience implementing and explaining the accountability of federal and state mandates
• Working knowledge of ethical and legal issues surrounding implementing a comprehensive assessment framework in a K-12 public school environment
• Documented and demonstrated experience establishing and developing partnerships with local and state entities
• Advanced skills and practical experience using statistical software packages, such as SPSS
• Advanced skills in Microsoft Office programs, including PowerPoint, Excel and Access
• Practical experiencing and skill with development and maintenance of data delivery systems (i.e., data dashboards, websites, and podcasts)

REQUIREMENTS:
• Graduate transcripts identifying successful completion of specific, advanced coursework in program evaluation, standardized assessment, assessment development and design, research methods, research design, and applied statistics
• Evidence of direct, practical experience developing and conducting both qualitative and quantitative research or evaluation studies
• Evidence of excellent understanding of and skills developing data collection tools
• Demonstration of excellent skills and direct, practical experience analyzing and interpreting quantitative and qualitative data
• Demonstration of practical experience and skill communicating complex information to various stakeholders


Only those applicants, who meet all of the above qualifications, will be granted an interview. All applications must be accompanied by a copy of the appropriate certificate(s) required cover letter, resume, three current letters of recommendation and original transcripts. Emergency certificates will not be accepted. Applicants pending certification may be chosen to participate in the interview process. If selected applicant (s), must possess full certification prior to school board appointment and assignment.

Applications may be obtained from the Office of Human Resources, 797 Westminster Street, Providence, RI. The completed form must be returned to the Office of Human Resources no later than 4:30 p.m. on the above closing date. Applications may be downloaded from the Providence Public Schools web site www.providenceschools.org.

PLEASE POST

An Equal Opportunity Employer. The Providence School Department does not discriminate on the basis of race, age, sex, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, color, disability or veteran status. Vision: The Providence Public School District will be a national leader in educating urban youth. Mission: The Providence Public School District will prepare all students to succeed in the nation’s colleges and universities, and in their chosen professions