RHODE ISLAND DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
DIVISION OF ACCOUNTABILITY & QUALITY ASSURANCE
DATA AND ANALYSIS OFFICE
*RESEARCH SPECIALIST
$74,373 - $90,373
_______________________________________________________________
APPLICATION PERIOD: All resumes must be received or postmarked
on or before JULY 21, 2010.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS: Send cover letter, resume and two
current letters of reference to:
Rhode Island Department of Education
Office of Human Resource Development
255 Westminster St.
Providence, RI 02903
Cover letter and resume may be emailed to
lisa.vieira@ride.ri.gov
Signed letters of reference should be mailed.
PLEASE NOTE: Candidates selected for interview will be required to
submit official transcripts.
DUTIES AND
RESPONSIBILITIES: See attached job description.
REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES CAN BE
ARRANGED IN ORDER TO PERFORM THE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE JOB.
(Position is part of Local 2012, AFT)
* SUBJECT TO FTE AND FUND AVAILABILITY
AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Shepard Building
255 Westminster Street
Providence, Rhode Island 02903-3400
Deborah A. Gist
Commissioner
Telephone (401)222-4600 Fax (401)222-6178 TTY 800-745-5555 Voice 800-745-6575
www.ride.ri.gov
The Board of Regents does not discriminate on the basis of age, color, sex,
sexual orientation, race, religion, national origin, or disability
DEPARTMENT OF ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION
NON-CLASSIFIED JOB DESCRIPTION
TITLE: Research Specialist
GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES: To ensure that district improvement efforts are
research based and data driven by providing research and data analysis support to
accountability initiatives, especially those involving urban schools with high populations of
diverse learners, so that all students are given adequate opportunities to participate and
succeed in achieving high academic standards.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED: Works under the supervision of a manager with wide latitude to
exercise independent judgment. Work is subject to review on a periodic basis or upon
completion for results achieved and for adherence to professional standards of conduct.
SUPERVISION EXERCISED:
Generally none. May work as part of teams and in collaboration with others with wide latitude
for the exercise of independent judgment to achieve results. May be involved in providing
input to the performance management process as a peer or colleague as appropriate.
ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLES OF WORK AND ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Conduct analyses of state, district, school and student performance data that informs
statewide policy and decision making.
Provide relevant and timely research on educational issue.
Coordinate and lead specific proposals, development of teams across offices and other
agencies.
Support school and districts in ongoing implementation of strategic plans to improve student
achievement.
Create research briefs and analytical reports on key educational reform issues.
Analyze state and district policies and procedures
Identify grant opportunities and support and prepare grant proposals.
Other related duties as assigned.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:
Working knowledge of research based best practices in standards-based curriculum,
instruction and assessment, appropriate accommodations to measure achievement, and
applied learning with a focus in the areas of mathematics, reading and English/language arts.
Working knowledge of instruction and assessment for all student populations, including
children with special needs/learning differences and English language learners.
Working knowledge of federal and state education laws, regulations and rules, with
demonstrated ability to understand and interpret written laws, policies and procedures in order
to achieve results.
Thorough knowledge and understanding of the principles for improving educational results for
students at risk of school failure by bringing about aligned, continuously-improving educational
services.
Working knowledge of systems of professional development, educational technology, school
district and school operations, strategic planning, effective family and community involvement
strategies, and school/business partnerships.
Demonstrated ability to identify grant opportunities, prepare grant applications, implement and
evaluate grants.
Demonstrated ability to conduct, read and summarize complex studies, analyze and evaluate
data, and prepare reports.
Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing with various publics.
Demonstrated ability and desire to work collaboratively on a wide range of topics and issues
with diverse groups of people.
Demonstrated organizational skills and knowledge of research of effective practices.
Demonstrated knowledge of the use of technology to enhance public engagement, district and
school accountability and professional practices.
Demonstrated research and organizational skills.
EDUCATION: Master’s degree in education or related field.
EXPERIENCE: 5-7 years of experience in education or related field as a teacher,
administrator and/or researcher.
OR: Any combination of education and experience that is substantially equivalent.
Must have own transportation and be available evenings and occasionally on weekends.
Reasonable accommodation can be made for individuals with a disability.
Date: March 1, 2010
