Coordinator of English Language Proficiency Assessment (ESD)

The Education Secretariat is committed to equity and valuing the unique and diverse characteristics and experiences of every member of its workforce. We encourage an authentic workplace where colleagues show up as their full selves where collaboration innovation and connections are key to realizing our mission that all children youth and families thrive socially academically and economically. We seek teammates who are committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive work environment where everyone is valued and engaged. We encourage you to apply and identify your strengths in these areas.

This position currently follows a hybrid model of reporting to work that combines two (2) in office workdays and telework days as needed. The primary work location is Everett.

Job Description

The Office of Student Assessment Services (SAS) at the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) is responsible for coordinating the development administration and reporting of the Commonwealths statewide student assessment programs.

The Coordinator of English Language Proficiency Assessment is a member of the Inclusive Assessment team and manages all aspects of DESEs statewide assessment for English learners currently WIDA ACCESS. The coordinator oversees communications and training for schools and districts; provides support before during and after administration; monitors reporting of results; and ensures equitable access for students with disabilities.

The Coordinator of English Language Proficiency Assessment works with both internal and external partners to ensure that district and school staff are prepared to administer the assessment in accordance with state and federal requirements works closely with the testing contractors and SAS staff to prepare and present annual reporting data and progress results and contributes to ongoing reviews and feedback for the WIDA ACCESS program.

Responsibilities and duties include but are not limited to:

Leading all aspects of the English Language Proficiency Assessment program for the Commonwealth in collaboration with DESE staff and outside vendors and in accordance with state and federal requirements
Customizing and sending notifications to schools throughout the assessment cycle and assisting schools and districts with programmatic or procedural changes
Developing and disseminating guidance documents to support schools and districts to ensure the successful administration of the assessment; communicating policies and procedures; and providing technical assistance before during and after the testing window
Scheduling developing and delivering multiple virtual (and occasional in-person) training sessions for district and school staff throughout the year
Visiting schools and monitoring test administration processes of Local Education Agencies (LEAs)
Serving as a liaison between DESE LEAs and advocacy groups for English learners
Collaborating with SAS and staff in the Office of Language Acquisition to analyze and interpret data for presentation of state-level results
Monitoring and communicating information about English language assessment results policy changes and technological assessment innovations to SAS leadership
Developing maintaining and implementing an annual work plan and professional development plan

The successful candidate for this position will possess the following qualifications:

Strong knowledge of educational services for students identified as English learners
Working knowledge of assessments especially large-scale assessment programs for measurement of English language proficiency
Experience in measurement or evaluation of standardized assessments of student performance
Familiarity with computer-based testing and administration in schools and districts
Experience managing programs and program transitions
Excellent written and oral communication skills and ability to communicate information to a variety of audiences
Demonstrated ability to synthesize and present complex information in both in-person and virtual settings
Familiarity with desktop applications (such as Word Excel Outlook PowerPoint Teams); Adobe Pro; and video conferencing (Zoom) and creating accessible documents
Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
Ability to interact and communicate effectively with DESE staff members and external educators in a culturally responsive professional manner
Willingness to accept feedback and engage in self-reflection including being adaptable and flexible in an evolving work landscape

Travel may be required for this position.

You must submit a cover letter with your application.

Questions regarding this position or the application process should be directed to

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First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.

Minimum Entrance Requirements:

Applicants must have a Masters degree and at least five years of full-time or equivalent part-time educational experience in a specific or related content area educational program/or service; Based on assignment candidates must possess at least one year of supervisory program coordination or managerial experience;

a Doctorate degree in a specific or related educational content area may be substituted for two years of the required experience; one year of education equals 30 semester hours; education towards a degree in a specific or related educational content area will be prorated on the basis of the proportion of the requirements actually completed.

Special Requirements: Based on assignment possession of a current and valid Massachusetts Motor Vehicle Operators License or the equivalent from another state may be required.

Comprehensive Benefits

When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you your loved ones and your future.

Want the specificsExplore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!

An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action minorities veterans and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race religion color sex gender identity or expression sexual orientation age disability national origin veteran status or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women Black Indigenous and Persons of Color (BIPOC)may self-select out of opportunities if they dont meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.

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