School Improvement & Data Specialist

About the role

The School District of Philadelphia’s Planning and Evidence-based Support Office seeks a School Improvement and Data Specialist to provide direct support to Learning Networks and schools in School Improvement, ensuring compliance with ESSA and fostering data-driven instructional improvements. The role involves operational support for school improvement planning, training on data systems, and collaboration with leadership teams to enhance student achievement on state assessments.

Responsibilities

• Provide intensive support to schools on the Action Planning process, including plan revisions and monitoring of plan activities.
• Ensure school instructional leadership and improvement teams are informed of current PDE and District Action Planning procedures and reporting requirements.
• Facilitate ongoing analysis of state and local assessment data to improve instruction and student achievement.
• Review assessment data with teachers, departments, grade levels, or instructional teams.
• Assist schools in using PDE’s online data tools to support the development of the Action Plan for Student Achievement.
• Provide information to leadership teams on school performance using SchoolNet, PVAAS, eMetric, and other systems.
• Act as a liaison between schools and Learning Networks to lead data analysis and decision-making.
• Coordinate professional development on Action Planning procedures for school and district staff.
• Collaborate with central offices to design and deliver professional development activities focused on data-driven instruction.

Requirements

• Master’s degree from an accredited college or university.
• Five years of full-time, paid, professional educational experience, including three years working with state data tools and building evidence-based outcomes in schools.
• Commitment to serving in this capacity for a minimum 24-month period.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Demonstrated knowledge of PA Academic Content Standards, PSSA & Keystone Assessment Anchors/Eligible Content, PDE’s Standards Aligned System (SAS), and Philadelphia Core Curriculum.
• Experience interpreting and applying classroom-based and system-wide data, including familiarity with PDE tools (e.g., eMetric, PVAAS) and District tools (e.g., SchoolNet).
• Proficiency in descriptive and inferential data analysis, including the ability to triangulate data sets.
• Understanding of the State’s School Improvement Planning (SIP) process and PDE’s school plan formats.
• Familiarity with PowerPoint, InDesign, and/or other design software.
• Ability to learn about assessment data and apply it at regional and school levels to monitor and improve instruction.
• Capacity to work cross-functionally to ensure data accuracy, completeness, and accessibility.
• Strong problem-solving, critical thinking, and judgment skills with a sense of urgency and attention to detail.
• Ability to make effective presentations on SIP, data tools, and data-driven instruction.
• Proficiency in Excel, PowerPoint, and Microsoft Word.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.