ESL Assessment Specialist

About the role

The position is responsible for K‑12 English as a Second Language (ESL) initial testing for possible student placement in an ESL program. It provides training to ESL staff on the assessment instrument used, maintains the testing database, processes all testing paperwork, and works with schools and families to communicate proper ESL placement.

Responsibilities

• Serve as liaison between students, families, schools, homes, and the ESL Welcome Center.
• Cooperate with administrators and staff in implementing the ESL program.
• Adhere to all federal and state ESL guidelines pertaining to ESL assessment.
• Administer all initial ESL language assessment components to incoming K‑12 students who may qualify for ESL, and support division‑wide WIDA assessments in the spring.
• Complete all ESL language assessment paperwork and ensure it is up to date.
• Communicate regularly with schools and families.
• Assist in the ESL student registration process.
• Create and maintain student documentation, including assessments, reports, data, and WIDA Screener reports.
• Assess students off‑site, including at alternative schools, private schools, and potential ELs at their home school.
• Train ESL teachers on the 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 the ESL department as needed.
• Model nondiscriminatory practices in all activities.

Qualifications

• Completion of a standard high school diploma and a bachelor’s degree in counseling, social work, psychology, education, or a related field, with some experience providing services to school‑aged children and/or families; or any combination of education and experience that provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and ability.
• Ability to organize and implement state‑approved ESL program assessments.
• Proficient with the Microsoft Office Suite, including 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 employees and the general public.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and demonstrate good judgment, tact, and courtesy.
• Ability to follow complex oral and written directions and work independently.
• English and Spanish bilingual ability is preferred but not required.
• ESL teaching experience is preferred.

This job description does not list all possible duties; the ESL Assessment Specialist may be required to follow other instructions and perform related duties as assigned by the ESL Instructional Supervisor or appropriate administrator. Newport News Public Schools reserves the right to update, revise, or change this job description and related duties at any time.