Project Director, Science and CCR Assessments

State of Oklahoma•Oklahoma City, OK

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE) is seeking a dynamic and experienced individual to join our team as a Project Manager for Science & CCRA Assessments. In this role, you will play a pivotal role in the development, implementation, and evaluation of science assessments aligned with state standards. Additionally, you will provide training and support to science teachers, offering a unique opportunity to shape science education and assessment practices across the state. Furthermore, this position will manage the CCRA contracts, work collaboratively with various offices within the agency, and support Local Education Agencies (LEAs) to ensure that high school seniors meet the assessment requirements necessary for graduation. This position will coordinate the development and implementation of the CCRA US History Assessment and communicate the requirements for the Citizenship test. Moreover, this position will work with data from the PreACT to enable districts to better prepare students for the state ACT given in the spring of the junior year. Finally, this position will assist with the administration of state assessments, including the College and Career Readiness Assessment (CCRA) and Oklahoma School Testing Program (OSTP), and will review districts under the Academic Assessment Monitoring Program (AAMP). This role requires a consistent, in-person presence at the designated workplace in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and does not offer remote, telecommuting, or hybrid options.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in education, science education, educational assessment, or a related field; [official transcripts required upon hire]
Three (3) years of experience teaching the Oklahoma Academic Standards for Science in an Oklahoma public school
Certification in secondary science and social studies, preferably Biology and Physical Science.
Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without sponsorship
Successful completion of a pre-employment background check
Must possess a valid driver’s license from a U.S. state or territory to perform necessary job-related travel.
A deep understanding of science content knowledge across multiple disciplines (e.g., biology, chemistry, physics) and grade levels, as well as familiarity with science pedagogy and instructional strategies.
Knowledge of state and national science standards (e.g., NGSS, state-specific standards) and the ability to align assessments with these standards to ensure alignment with curriculum and instructional goals.
Comprehensive knowledge of Oklahoma’s College and Career Readiness Assessments (CCRA) and how they align with state education standards and graduation requirements.
Strong understanding of standardized test development, including item writing, test validation, and scoring methodologies.
Ability to clearly and concisely express ideas, while also listening actively to others and demonstrating understanding
Ability to demonstrate empathy by showing respect and understanding for the feelings and perspectives of others while paying close attention to non-verbal cues
Ability to adapt communication style to suit the needs of the audience and situation.
Be resourceful and self-motivated, prioritize work effectively by managing your time well, anticipating challenges, developing creative solutions, paying close attention to detail, and taking ownership of your work.
Ability to work effectively with others towards a common goal. Including being open-minded, respectful, and responsive to others’ ideas and perspectives.
Sharing knowledge and experience while being committed to achieving the teams’ objectives and understanding the importance of working collaboratively to achieve success.
Ability to set clear objectives, create a plan of action, break down complex tasks into manageable components, delegate tasks when necessary, and establish a realistic timeline to meet deadlines consistently while developing contingency plans to ensure adaptability to changing circumstances.
Ability to analyze complex situations, identify key issues, patterns, connections, and develop effective logical solutions
Ability to think critically, anticipate potential problems, and develop innovative solutions to address them.
Ability to work under pressure and in situations where time is limited whilst remaining calm and focused, prioritizing tasks, and adapting to changing circumstances.
Ability to identify opportunities for collaboration, leverage resources effectively, and negotiate mutually beneficial outcomes.
Possess strong interpersonal skills to resolve conflicts and manage difficult conversations constructively and professionally.
Ability to identify opportunities to leverage technology to streamline processes, automate tasks, and improve customer experiences
Familiarity with software, hardware and other relevant technological tools while being able to learn new technologies as they emerge.
Clear and accurate communication, strong analytical skills, and the ability to evaluate information and make timely decisions.
Sustained focus and attention to detail are essential, along with memory retention of policies, procedures, and facts over various time frames.
Adaptability and mental flexibility are also necessary to handle changing information, work conditions, and unexpected challenges.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in education, science education, educational assessment, or a related field [official transcripts required upon hire]
Three (3) or more years of experience in secondary education, including familiarity with Oklahoma graduation requirements
Experience as a high school counselor or graduation coach
Certification in other secondary areas, such as Chemistry, Physics, Earth and Space Sciences, and United States History/Social Studies.
National Board Certification

Responsibilities

Lead the development and ongoing oversight of the CCRA US History Assessment.
Ensure that the US History Assessment aligns with state standards and fulfills the educational objectives of the state.
Collaborate with the Standards and Learning team and state assessment vendor to design, review, and refine science assessments that align with state standards and educational goals.
Ensure the validity, reliability, and fairness of science assessments through rigorous item analysis, standard setting, and alignment with best practices in assessment development.
Facilitate training sessions, workshops, and professional development opportunities for science teachers and social studies teachers, focusing on effective instructional strategies, assessment practices, and curriculum alignment.
Provide ongoing support and resources to educators to enhance their capacity to teach science effectively and promote student learning outcomes.
Develop and distribute clear communication regarding the Citizenship test requirements to schools, educators, and students, ensuring that all stakeholders are informed about the new graduation requirement starting with the class of 2025.
Present on assessment and graduation requirements at various conferences, workshops, and meetings, both within the agency and to external audiences.
Assist in the administration of state assessments, including the CCRA and OSTP, by coordinating logistics, training testing coordinators, and ensuring adherence to assessment protocols and procedures.
Collaborate with testing vendors and district personnel to resolve any issues related to assessment administration and ensure the integrity and security of assessment materials.
Manage and oversee CCRA contracts to ensure compliance with state requirements.
Contribute to the Academic Assessment Monitoring Program by analyzing assessment data, identifying trends, patterns, and areas for improvement, and providing recommendations to enhance assessment practices.
Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to develop strategies for continuous improvement and alignment with state standards and goals.
Foster positive relationships with science and social studies educators, administrators, district personnel, and other stakeholders, serving as a resource and point of contact for science education and assessment-related inquiries and initiatives.
Represent the department in meetings, conferences, and professional development events to disseminate information, gather feedback, and promote collaboration.
Work closely with other offices within the Oklahoma State Department of Education, as well as LEAs, to ensure that high school seniors are aware of and can complete the required assessments for graduation.
Provide guidance and support to LEAs on the administration of assessments.
Exhibit a positive, empathetic, and professional attitude.
Build relationships, display integrity, and maintain professionalism in communication, behavior, and appearance.
Embrace feedback for performance improvement.
Ensure reliable and punctual in-person presence for quality teamwork, productivity, and collaboration.
Demonstrate commitment by being engaged, available, and dependable to colleagues and customers.
Identify and address evolving needs and challenges in education.
Apply critical thinking, explore new ideas, and embrace innovative approaches to enhance educational outcomes for all students.
Utilize creativity, resourcefulness, and forward-thinking to drive positive change and find solutions to complex problems in the field of education.
Maximize resource utilization and streamline operations.
Optimize processes, eliminate redundancies, and leverage technology to enhance productivity and performance.
Proactively identify efficiency opportunities and implement best practices for continuous improvement.
Deliver exceptional assistance that surpasses expectations.
Create positive experiences and build trust-based relationships.
Maintain a positive and helpful attitude, using appropriate language, tone, and behavior to consistently reflect the agency positively and leave a favorable impression.

Benefits

Generous Benefits Allowance: Up to $21,934.08 annually, tailored to family size, for purchasing benefits.
Comprehensive Insurance Plans: Choose from a variety of insurance plans with no pre-existing conditions, exclusions, or limitations.
Flexible Spending Accounts: Manage healthcare expenses and/or dependent care with ease.
Full Participation in TRS: Enjoy employer-covered contributions (7.5% of annual salary) for Teacher’s Retirement System participation.
Generous Leave Policy: Full-time employees receive 15 days of vacation and 15 days of sick leave in their first year.
Paid Holidays: Benefit from 11 paid holidays per year.
Employee Discounts: Access discounts with various companies and vendors.
Longevity Bonus: Earn a bonus after completing two years of service, with bonuses continuing annually thereafter.
Compensatory Time: FLSA Exempt and Nonexempt employees receive compensatory time.
Employee Assistance Program: Access support and resources through our Employee Assistance Program.