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Instructional Specialist, Assessment and Data Analysis in Special
Education |
0833 |
| Instructional
Specialist for Assessment and Data Analysis in Special
Education |
REG |
Under the direction of the
Director of Special Education Operations (DSESO),
is responsible for the identification, management,
and analysis of data related to educational improvement
and accountability for students with disabilities.
Prepares management and assessment information for
use by the DSESO and the Director of Special Education
Services to assist them in analyzing program effectiveness
and efficiency. The specialist provides special education
leadership with reviews and analyses of local, state
and national data and makes appropriate policy recommendations
for the development and implementation of best practices
related to the effective provision of services to
students with disabilities in compliance with the
Individuals with Disabilities Education and Improvement
Act 2004 and the Elementary and Secondary Education
Act, No Child Left Behind.
Designs research and evaluation studies covering
a variety of educational issues related to the office;
plans, organizes, and monitors the studies including
but not limited to developing data collection instruments,
conducting data analysis, and preparing reports
and policy recommendations on the results of such
studies. Works in partnership with other departments
across MCPS to increase access to general education
services and increase the efficient and effective
delivery of services to all students. Facilitates
schools application of data-driven, organizational
decisions that support the design and delivery of
research based instructional practices; the use
of data for targeting and monitoring the effectiveness
of interventions and programs; and the implementation
of culturally responsive educational practices.
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Extensive knowledge of social science
research, evaluation methodology and statistical procedures.
Knowledge of current educational research in special
education, professional development and training,
and policy implementation. Ability to communicate
technical information, both orally and in writing,
in a way that that will enable policymakers, administrators,
teachers, and staff to apply research findings to
data based educational policy decisions and implementation
of best practices. Knowledge of how to develop computer
programs for data analysis; knowledge of federal and
state educational policy, education research and practices;
thorough understanding of MCPS central office policies,
programs and staff; demonstrated ability to work effectively
with staff and parents from various parts of the school
system; excellent human relations , communications,
and writing skills. |
Minimum of a master’s
degree in social science area, special education,
or related field from an accredited college or university.
Two or more years as principal investigator in research/evaluation
projects; experience using a variety of statistical
software and integrating the results into policy recommendations;
knowledge of federal grant evaluation and reporting
requirements. Experience using Statistical Package
of Social Sciences, spreadsheets, and database management
systems are highly desirable. School based experience
particularly in special education preferred.
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(Special requirements such as lifting heavy objects and
frequent climbing.) Must be able to move materials
and equipment to and from different training sites
on a regular basis. |
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(Frequent overtime or night work required, etc.) Ability
to work extra hours and attend evening and weekend
classes/programs as required. |
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Collects and analyzes data on the achievement
of students with disabilities as reported through the
Department of Shared Accountability and the Maryland
State Department of Education to monitor and improve
educational outcomes for students with disabilities
Systematically reviews new data and prepares analyses
and comparisons with previous information to alert special
education leadership staff to patterns of success that
should be acknowledged and replicated or to areas of
weakness which require attention
Responds to specific information requests from special
education leadership and the associate superintendent,
Office of Special Education and Student Services
Recommends to the Directors of Special Education Services
and Operations, research & evaluation studies that
focus on providing information for data-based, educational
policy decisions
Prepares research/evaluation designs; collects, analyzes
and interprets data needed by policy makers to determine
the effectiveness of programs and policies
Presents results of studies and policy recommendations
to Executive Staff, Board of Education, and Office of
Special Education and Student Services staff
Provides support for district and school improvement
efforts to integrate data-based policy decisions with
the ongoing programs and activities of schools
Collaborates with the Office of Information and Organizational
Systems, Office of School Performance, the Office of
Curriculum and Instructional Programs, and other offices
to gather and analyze data necessary for implementing
policy recommendations and making operational modifications
Continues to engage in professional development that
focuses on the identification and implementation of best
practices in education; will participate in seminars,
skill training, and site visits that support this professional
development
Assists special education leadership in presenting at
local, state and national conferences
Performs related tasks as determined by the Director
of Special Education Operations
Performs related work as required |
