Alternate Assessment Coordinator

Description

Idaho Department of Education

This position is exempt from classified state service and the rules of the Division of Human Resources and the Idaho Personnel Commission.

Please note: Applications will be accepted through 4:59 PM MST on the posting end date.

The Idaho Department of Education (Department) is dedicated to serving and providing common-sense leadership, support, and resources to educators across the state. The knowledge, skills, and experience of the Department’s employees are among our most valued and important assets. Employment with the Department provides a rewarding career that positively affects the lives of children in Idaho. To learn more, please visit our website at http://www.sde.idaho.gov/.

The Alternate Assessment Coordinator will provide technical assistance, guidance, and professional development to assist local education agencies (LEAs) in the implementation of the statewide Idaho Alternate Assessment (IDAA) for students with significant cognitive disabilities.

Successful candidates will have a background in alternate assessment administration and development, project management, and professional development. This individual will support LEAs in implementing alternate assessments and developing assessment literacy, as well as developing an assessment system that meets the federal and state requirements.

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

· Act as state contract manager for multiple-layer contracts with vendors responsible for developing and administering the statewide assessments

· Oversee state accountability and reporting requirements for statewide assessments

· Coordinate and deliver professional development for best practices of interim/summative assessments

· Obtain stakeholder input

· Provide solution-focused support via email, phone, or in-person

· Consult with other state assessment coordinators and other department staff to learn best practices for consideration in Idaho

· Plan, facilitate, and conduct meetings related to statewide assessment systems

· Participate in on-site visits and monitoring and offer guidance and support to LEAs and schools

· Maintain the Department and related webpages including publishing and updating all announcements, documents, training materials, FAQs, and resources on a regular basis

· Format any public documents for ADA accessibility, according to the Department’s policies and procedures

· Coordinate other duties associated with the assessment and accountability team, as assigned

SPECIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

· Represent Idaho in multi-state consortium

· Oversee the alternate assessment participation criteria, develop the 1.0% cap waiver (if needed), and monitor the 1.0% cap on alternate assessment participation as outlined in ESEA §111(b)(2)(D) and 34 CFR 200.6(c) and (d)

· Provide guidance and support to LEAs that exceeded the 1.0% alternate assessment participation rate cap

· Collaborate with IDEA data manager in the collection and analysis of assessment participation and performance specifically related to Office of Special Education (OSEP) Program Indicator

· Coordinate the assessment peer review submission process

· Support other state assessment coordinators with the development and implementation of alternate and alternative assessments and with the implementation and guidance of accessibility features and accommodations

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

· Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university

· Minimum of three years of experience in the field of special education, or a closely related field, in a position with direct experience providing special education services to students with disabilities

· Knowledge of the principles of a balanced assessment system, including formative, interim, and summative assessments

· Experience developing and providing professional development for adults

· Experience with program or project management

· Experience with spreadsheets and ability to navigate testing platforms

· Interpersonal skills and abilities to work effectively as a member of a team, promote team goals, collaborate, and positively contribute to team climate & culture

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: (with or without accommodation) 

· Dexterity to operate office tools and equipment

· Ability to perform standard office administrative functions, including but not limited to: typing, filing, answering phones, processing documents, collating and preparing office materials as needed

· Ability to concentrate for extended periods of time

· Mental acuity to comprehend, communicate, monitor, and ensure adequate program support

· Approximately 90% of time is spent sitting at desk or workstation, up to 4 hours at a time

· Approximately 10% of time is spent standing, walking, bending, and kneeling

· Occasional lifting may be required, frequently less than 5 lb., but may be up to 20 lb.

TRAVEL REQUIRED: 

This position requires up to 30% travel time, both in and out of state, for training, district support, meetings and conferences.

BENEFITS:

The State of Idaho offers a robust total compensation package, including medical, vision, and dental insurance; PERSI retirement benefits; paid sick, vacation, and parental leave; and 11 paid holidays per year. For additional information related to benefits and/or State programs, please visit https://dhr.idaho.gov/StateEmployees/Benefits.html.*

ADDITIONAL BENEFITS INCLUDE: 

Vesting in the Public Employee Retirement System of Idaho (PERSI): All employees of the Idaho Department of Education are non-classified. They are appointed by the elected official and serve at the pleasure of the elected official. As such, employees working at a non-classified agency are considered vested in the PERSI retirement system after five (5) consecutive months of service, versus five (5) years of service at a classified agency. 

Tuition Fee Waiver: All Idaho Department of Education employees in permanent full-time positions may register for instructional courses during any academic period, at any participating state funded institutions of higher education, for a $20.00 nonrefundable registration fee per semester and $5.00 per credit hour charge.

TO APPLY: 

To apply for this position, please submit 1.) a customized letter of interest, 2.) a resume, and 3) a list of three professional references. Attach the resume to your online application. Insert your letter of interest and references into the space provided in the questions section of the application. 

Your letter of interest should specifically address how your education, training and work experience meet the responsibilities, qualifications, and required skills of the position. A writing sample, such as a letter of interest, provides an opportunity to evaluate your writing skills as well as your ability to demonstrate you meet the qualifications of the position. Your resume must clearly support the information provided in your letter of interest. A resume does not substitute for a letter of interest. Applications that do not include a letter of interest will not be accepted. 

EEO/ADA/VETERAN:

The State of Idaho is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, political affiliation or belief, sex, national origin, genetics, or any other status protected under applicable federal, state, or local laws.

The State of Idaho is committed to access and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities, auxiliary aids and services are available upon request. If you require an accommodation at any step in our recruitment process, you are encouraged to contact (208) 334-2263 (TTY/TTD: 711), or email [email protected].

Preference may be given to veterans who qualify under state and federal laws and regulations.