ESL Assessment Specialist

Newport News Public Schools•Newport News, VA

About The Position

Position is responsible for K-12 English as a Second Language initial testing for possible student placement in an ESL program. Position provides training to ESL staff on assessment instrument used and maintains testing database. Position processes all testing paperwork and works with all schools and families with communicating proper ESL placement. Essential Duties Serves as liaison between student, families, school, home, and the ESL Welcome Center. Cooperates with administrators and staff in implementing the ESL program. Adheres to all federal and state ESL guidelines pertaining to ESL assessment. Administers all initial ESL language assessment components to incoming students K-12 that may qualify for ESL as well as support for division-wide WIDA Assessments in the spring. Complete all ESL language assessment paperwork and ensure it is up to date. Communicate with schools and families on a regular basis. Assist in ESL student registration process. Creates and maintains student documentation to include assessments, reports, data, and WIDA Screener reports. Assess students off site, to include alternative schools, private schools, and potential ELs at their home school. Train ESL teachers for use of the initial ESL language assessment. Input ESL coding as appropriate in the student information system. Communicate with different districts within the WIDA Consortium for student information and scores. Assist in maintaining the ESL Welcome Center records. Support ESL department, as needed. Models nondiscriminatory practices in all activities. (These are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.)

Requirements

Completion of standard high school diploma and a bachelor’s degree in counseling, social work, psychology, education or a related field and some experience in providing services to school aged children and/or families, or any combination of education and experience that would provide the requisite knowledge, skills and ability.
Ability to organize and implement state approved ESL program assessments.
Proficient ability working with the Microsoft Office Suite to include Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
Ability to create and maintain testing databases using Filemaker Pro and Microsoft Office software.
Excellent public relations and telephone skills.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees and the general public.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and demonstrate good judgment, tact and courtesy.
Ability to follow complex oral and written directions, work independently.

Nice To Haves

English and Spanish bilingual ability is preferred but not required.
ESL teaching experience preferred.

Responsibilities

Serves as liaison between student, families, school, home, and the ESL Welcome Center.
Cooperates with administrators and staff in implementing the ESL program.
Adheres to all federal and state ESL guidelines pertaining to ESL assessment.
Administers all initial ESL language assessment components to incoming students K-12 that may qualify for ESL as well as support for division-wide WIDA Assessments in the spring.
Complete all ESL language assessment paperwork and ensure it is up to date.
Communicate with schools and families on a regular basis.
Assist in ESL student registration process.
Creates and maintains student documentation to include assessments, reports, data, and WIDA Screener reports.
Assess students off site, to include alternative schools, private schools, and potential ELs at their home school.
Train ESL teachers for use of the initial ESL language assessment.
Input ESL coding as appropriate in the student information system.
Communicate with different districts within the WIDA Consortium for student information and scores.
Assist in maintaining the ESL Welcome Center records.
Support ESL department, as needed.
Models nondiscriminatory practices in all activities.