Coordinator of English Language Proficiency Assessment (ESD)

Commonwealth of Massachusetts • Everett, MA

31d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Education Secretariat is committed to equity and valuing the unique and diverse characteristics and experiences of every member of its workforce. We encourage an authentic workplace where colleagues show up as their full selves, where collaboration, innovation, and connections are key to realizing our mission that all children, youth, and families thrive socially, academically, and economically. We seek teammates who are committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive work environment, where everyone is valued and engaged. We encourage you to apply and identify your strengths in these areas. This position currently follows a hybrid model of reporting to work that combines two (2) in office workdays and telework days as needed. The primary work location is Everett. Job Description The Office of Student Assessment Services (SAS) at the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) is responsible for coordinating the development, administration, and reporting of the Commonwealth’s statewide student assessment programs. The Coordinator of English Language Proficiency Assessment is a member of the Inclusive Assessment team and manages all aspects of DESE’s statewide assessment for English learners, currently WIDA ACCESS . The coordinator oversees communications and training for schools and districts; provides support before, during, and after administration; monitors reporting of results; and ensures equitable access for students with disabilities. The Coordinator of English Language Proficiency Assessment works with both internal and external partners to ensure that district and school staff are prepared to administer the assessment in accordance with state and federal requirements, works closely with the testing contractors and SAS staff to prepare and present annual reporting data and progress results, and contributes to ongoing reviews and feedback for the WIDA ACCESS program.

Requirements

• Strong knowledge of educational services for students identified as English learners
• Working knowledge of assessments, especially large-scale assessment programs for measurement of English language proficiency
• Experience in measurement or evaluation of standardized assessments of student performance
• Familiarity with computer-based testing and administration in schools and districts
• Experience managing programs and program transitions
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, and ability to communicate information to a variety of audiences
• Demonstrated ability to synthesize and present complex information in both in-person and virtual settings
• Familiarity with desktop applications (such as Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Teams); Adobe Pro; and video conferencing (Zoom), and creating accessible documents
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to interact and communicate effectively with DESE staff members and external educators in a culturally responsive, professional manner
• Willingness to accept feedback and engage in self-reflection, including being adaptable and flexible in an evolving work landscape
• Applicants must have a Master’s degree and at least five years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, educational experience in a specific or related content area, educational program/or service
• Based on assignment, candidates must possess at least one year of supervisory, program coordination or managerial experience
• Based on assignment, possession of a current and valid Massachusetts Motor Vehicle Operator's License or the equivalent from another state may be required.

Responsibilities

• Leading all aspects of the English Language Proficiency Assessment program for the Commonwealth, in collaboration with DESE staff and outside vendors, and in accordance with state and federal requirements
• Customizing and sending notifications to schools throughout the assessment cycle and assisting schools and districts with programmatic or procedural changes
• Developing and disseminating guidance documents to support schools and districts to ensure the successful administration of the assessment; communicating policies and procedures; and providing technical assistance before, during, and after the testing window
• Scheduling, developing, and delivering multiple virtual (and occasional in-person) training sessions for district and school staff throughout the year
• Visiting schools and monitoring test administration processes of Local Education Agencies (LEAs)
• Serving as a liaison between DESE, LEAs, and advocacy groups for English learners
• Collaborating with SAS and staff in the Office of Language Acquisition to analyze and interpret data for presentation of state-level results
• Monitoring and communicating information about English language assessment results, policy changes, and technological assessment innovations to SAS leadership
• Developing, maintaining, and implementing an annual work plan and professional development plan

Benefits

• Comprehensive Benefits When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future. Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees