Research and Assessment Specialist Chinese (Mandarin/Cantonese)(SY26-27)

Boston Public Schools•Boston, MA

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The Research and Assessment Specialist provides evaluation and assessment of the language proficiency of incoming students to ensure appropriate identification and placement academically. This role is critical in supporting the Boston Public Schools' commitment to closing the student achievement gap by meeting the goals laid out in the Superintendent’s Acceleration Agenda. The Office of Multilingual and Multicultural Education (OMME) is a key part of the infrastructure to achieve these goals, offering leadership and support in the education of English Language Learners (ELLs). OMME functions as a knowledge-generating organization, developing a system-wide knowledge base on second language acquisition and academic achievement of ELLs. The office also monitors and guides schools and central administration to ensure legal compliance and equitable access to services and programming for ELLs.

Requirements

Bachelor degree in ESL/ Applied Linguistic or related field.
Hold a current Massachusetts Teaching License in ESL or related field
Trained in WIDA-ACCESS and other K-12 assessments
Understanding of all state and federal guidelines affecting education of ELLs
Intermediate level knowledge of Microsoft Excel
Ability to work effectively in teams, manage multiple tasks and priorities
Strong problem-solving and solution-seeking ability
Minimum 3 years experience with ELLs in an urban setting
Fluency in Chinese (Mandarin/Cantonese)

Responsibilities

Identify key areas of need in the assessment and placement of ELLs that warrant further research and consideration as they pertain to Boston Public Schools.
Work with the Deputy Chief of Operations and Accountability for ELLs and Director of Newcomer Assessment and Counseling Center to develop relevant priorities, design research studies, collect and maintain relevant data, and prepare reports for the district.
Conduct analytical research against source data, determine report feasibility, suggest new metrics and measurements that will advance the accuracy of the testing methodology used for ELLs based on advancements in ELL research.
Manage and monitor data quality, as gathered in assessment to ensure accuracy.
Analyzes data with basic statistical methods, interpret results, and provides written summaries of data analyses.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Cultivate and maintain relationships with district leaders, teachers, parents, administrators, and community organizations to promote interest and increase awareness regarding the school placements of ELL students.
Participate in committees and act as a liaison with principals and headmasters as directed by the Chief of OMME and the Director of Newcomer Assessment and Counseling Center.
Maintain data needed by the Office of Multilingual and Multicultural Education (OMME) for planning, coordinating, implementing and monitoring programs and procedures in the district and state.
Model professional behavior that addresses job responsibilities, district policies and procedures, and the expectations of professionals working in a multilingual, multicultural, and economically diverse community.
Perform other related duties in accordance with the district’s values of collaboration, cross- functionality, and accountability as requested or directed by Supervisor.