School Improvement Specialist-11 month

About the Role

The School Improvement Specialist (SIS) supports the implementation of the Virginia SOL Assessment Program and other assessments aligned with the division testing program. This position participates in instructional leadership, including the development and oversight of the school improvement plan, and is ideal for aspiring administrators looking to demonstrate instructional leadership and operational skills.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate the SOL Assessment Program at the assigned school.
• Administer assessments in accordance with test implementation manuals and directions from the Coordinator of Assessments.
• Collaborate with building-level staff (Department Chairs, Administration, Case Managers, and Counseling Department) to develop a school-wide test schedule and ensure all students test in a safe and secure environment.
• Maintain test security for all assessment programs and report or resolve activities that compromise test security or impact a student’s ability to test.
• Manage the ordering, receiving, distribution, and administration of test materials, and work with technology staff to ensure preparation and operability of computers for online training and testing.
• Facilitate testing for students in day-placement, residential treatment, or alternative education by collaborating with transition specialists, special education staff, and building administration.
• Collaborate with staff on remediation programs and provide testing opportunities for students requiring retests or expedited retakes.
• Ensure all testing data, including demographic data, is reviewed for proper reporting to the Virginia Department of Education.
• Attend state and local trainings to ensure proper assessment administration and prepare and provide training for building staff.
• Serve as an instructional leader to improve student achievement under the direction of the School Principal.
• Assist staff in reviewing, analyzing, and interpreting school test data.
• Collaborate with the Counseling Department to identify students' assessment needs to ensure on-time graduation (for high school-based positions).
• Participate in the development of the School Improvement Plan and contribute to monitoring efforts to improve student learning.
• Encourage staff to work collaboratively to improve instruction and use test data to enhance student performance.
• Identify students eligible to participate in SOL testing during summer school.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree (required).
• Master’s degree (preferred).
• Three (3) years of successful full-time experience as a teacher, counselor, or administrator (required).
• Two (2) or more years at the grade level of the assigned school with experience in the Virginia Alternative Assessment Program (preferred).
• Professional license issued by the Virginia Board of Education, or eligibility for same, with endorsement in a discipline covered by the Virginia SOL Assessment Program (English, History, Math, Science) (required).
• Endorsement in Administration and Supervision (preferred).

Skills

• Knowledge of the Virginia Standards of Learning Assessment Program and student academic performance assessment.
• Familiarity with current research and trends in education, particularly in curriculum, instruction, student assessment data, testing practices, and procedures.
• Proficiency in computer usage, including internet, intranet, spreadsheet, and office applications (Microsoft Word and Excel), and computerized testing programs.
• Ability to develop plans, identify problems, and interpret data to maximize instructional time and technology use.
• Ability to work effectively with classroom teachers, administrators, students, and parent organizations to implement the SOL assessment program.
• Ability to work cooperatively in a team environment and meet goals.
• Strong organizational skills to perform work independently and meet deadlines for multiple projects.
• Sustained effort and enthusiasm in maintaining quality and quantity of work.

Physical Demands

• Frequent standing, walking, reaching, and turning/twisting.
• Occasional sitting, balancing/climbing, stooping/kneeling, and crouching/crawling.
• Occasional lifting and carrying of 1–25 lbs.
• Rare lifting and carrying of 26–50 lbs and 50+ lbs.
• Occasional pushing/pulling of 1–25 lbs and 26–50 lbs.
• Rare pushing/pulling of 50+ lbs.

Pay

Teacher Salary Scale.

Schedule

Licensed 220-day work calendar.