Assessment Specialist

Sylvania; Olympia (WA); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Basic life insurance

Vacation leave

Paid holidays

Job summary

Olympia School District seeks an Assessment Specialist to provide advanced infrastructure and client support for assessment services, coordinating and implementing assessment-related activities. You will assist certified staff, administrators, and district personnel, and deliver helpdesk support for assessment systems from classroom to district level.

The role involves district-wide training development, data integrity work, and coordination with OSPI/ESD113 and other partners.

Qualifications

• AA preferred.
• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Valid Washington State Driver’s license and Criminal Justice Fingerprint Clearance.

Responsibilities

• Provides specialized technical and advanced clerical & administrative support for district assessment systems such as Skyward, Homeroom, TIDE, ELPA21, MAP, Dibels, EDS, CEDARS, SAFS and Query.
• Develops and conducts district-wide technology trainings for testing coordinators and principals with clear objectives.
• Provides expert QA, troubleshooting, data extraction, storage, manipulation and audit support to maintain data integrity across systems.
• Uploads assessment scores into electronic systems such as Skyward, MAP, CogAT, SAT and ACT.
• Manages all test material ordering and processing, electronic and paper/pencil.

Skills

Excel

Word

PowerPoint

Google

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

AA preferred

Tools

EDS

Skyward

Query

MAP online

WAMS

DIBELS

TS Gold Strategies

Job description

Job Purpose:

The Assessment Specialist will provide advanced infrastructure and client support for assessment services; including planning, coordinating, and implementing assessment-related services. This position will also provide support for certified teachers, school administrators, department administrators/directors, program supervisors/managers, and OSD clerical staff during assessment sessions and administration dates. At the direction of the Executive Director of Teaching & Learning or designee, the Assessment Specialist also provides general department support and helpdesk (troubleshooting) support to all of the district schools from the classroom to the administrative level related to district and state assessment systems.

Required Attachments:

• Cover Letter
• Resume
• 3 Classified Reference Letters

This position works Monday to Friday from 7:30 am – 2:00 pm, 210 days a year.

Employees (and their families) are eligible for medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance benefits, as administered by the School Employees Benefit Board (SEBB). Final benefit eligibility to be determined at time of hire. Employees are eligible to enroll in the Department of Retirement Services (DRS) SERS plan (classified employees) or TRS plan (certificated employees), as well as the DRS Deferred Compensation Program. Employees will receive vacation leave, paid holidays and additional compensation beyond their base salary as outlined in their Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).

The Olympia School District is committed to increasing the diversity of staff in our schools. Candidates who can contribute to this goal are encouraged to apply and to identify their strengths and experiences in this area.

Essential Job Functions:

• Provides specialized technical as well as advanced clerical & administrative support for high impact electronic assessment management systems currently including but not limited to Skyward, Homeroom, TIDE, ELPA21, MAP, Dibels, EDS applications, CEDARS, SAFS, and Query. Accurately applies reporting codes, demographic variables and updated student information when necessary. Responds to reporting deadlines in order to meet district, state and federal requirements relating to student assessment. This position also provides helpdesk (troubleshooting) support to all of the district schools from the classroom to the administrative level for all of these systems.
• Develops and conducts district wide technology and process trainings for testing coordinators and school principals, including assisting in establishing training goals, objectives and priorities, and creating technical instructional materials for the purpose of complying with state, federal, and district assessment guidelines.
• Provides expert level quality assurance, troubleshooting, data extraction, storage, manipulation and problem resolution to comply with financial, legal and administrative requirements to maintain data integrity between district and state online assessment systems. Provides support in the use of electronic modules that directly impact those processes; coordinates and implements state and federal report related services; prepares data for integration with other systems; and maintains critical documentation necessary for audit purposes.
• Uploads assessment scores into electronic systems, not limited to: Skyward: MAP, CogAT, SAT, and ACT.
• Manages all test material ordering and processing, both electronic and paper/pencil.
• Evaluates situations (i.e. involving other staff, students, parents, the public, etc.) for the purpose of taking appropriate action and/or directing to appropriate personnel for resolution.
• Monitors assigned activities and/or program components (e.g. education code, district requirements, program budgets, critical timelines, etc.) for the purpose of ensuring compliance with financial, legal and/or administrative requirements.
• Prepares written materials (e.g. brochures, newsletters, etc.) for the purpose of conveying information regarding school and/or district assessment activities and/or procedures.
• Processes documents and materials (e.g. reports, documents, schedules, agendas, mail, etc.) for the purpose of disseminating information to appropriate parties.
• Responds to inquiries of staff, the public, parents and/or students for the purpose of providing information and/or direction as needed.
• Confers with outside agencies and stakeholders, as assigned, for the purpose of conveying and gathering information required to perform job related functions: OSPI, ESD113, State Auditor, WSIPC, and School Districts. Monitors changes, researches impact, disseminates information to end users using various mean of communication.
• Collaborates with and Supports the Student Information System staff by serving as a backup to the SIS Database Management Analysts during assessment downtimes, heavy workloads, year-end, year-start, semester changes, and more.
• Support elementary and secondary schools with their use of Skyward Student modules: Student Management, Gradebooks, Academic Areas, Report Cards, Course Master, Course Codes, Curriculum Master and Codes, Master Schedules, Calendar Master, Student Schedules, Attendance, Discipline, Activities, Portfolios, etc. when time permits.
• Nature of work may require varied and irregular work schedule to accommodate district and building schedules to meet inflexible deadlines to facilitate assessment periods, staff training opportunities, and beginning and end of year processes.
• This position requires ongoing expansion of knowledge of database management techniques and methodology to maintain current technical levels and the ability to accurately provide helpdesk instructions.
• Other duties as assigned by SIS Supervisor.

Job Requirements/Qualifications:

Experience Required: Prior job related experience with increasing levels of responsibility. Assessment management expertise including coordinating, proctoring, and training district staff. High level Skyward experience including the import and management of test scores, state and federal reporting, audit compliance, etc.

Skills, Knowledge and/or Abilities Required:

• Proficient skills in Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Google
• Knowledge of and ability to work and master other assessment related software and applications including but not limited to: EDS, Skyward, Query, Skyward, MAP online, WAMS (Washington Assessment Management System), DIBELS, TS Gold Strategies. Advanced
• Skills to operate standard office equipment including use of basic computer applications, use English in both written and verbal form, use correct spelling, grammar and punctuation.
• Advanced Knowledge of rules and regulations related to assigned functions, basic budgeting, financial recordkeeping, and office equipment.
• Abilities to sit for prolonged periods, work independently, understand and carry out oral and written instructions. Significant physical abilities include lifting up to 40 lbs. (significant physical work processing pallets of testing materials), reaching/handling, talking/hearing conversations, near visual acuity/visual accommodation.

Necessary Personal Attributes Required:

Abilities to exercise confidentiality, sound judgement, handle work under pressure, pay attention to detail, concentrate and follow directions as part of a team-oriented workgroup. Additional requirements include strong interpersonal skills, punctuality, dependability, courtesy and appropriate demeanor and dress.

Education and Experience:

AA preferred, high school diploma or equivalent required.

Licenses, Certifications, Bonding, and/or Testing Required:

Valid Washington State Driver’s license, Criminal Justice Fingerprint Clearance.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Olympia School District does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. Auxiliary aids and services will be provided upon request to individuals with disabilities. The following employee(s) have been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination: Title IX Officer – James Whitehead, [phone], [e-mail]; Executive Director of Elementary Education – Autumn Lara, [phone], [e-mail]; Section 504 and ADA Coordinator (Students) – Ken Turcotte, [phone], [e-mail]; ADA Coordinator (Staff) – Starla Hoff, [phone], [e-mail]; Abstive Action Officer and Civil Rights Compliance Coordinator – Scott Niemann, [phone], [e-mail]. Address: Knox Administrative Center, 111 Bethel St NE, Olympia, WA 98506.

The Olympia School District will provide reasonable Accommodations to enable persons with disabilities the opportunity to apply for open positions and to participate in District interview procedures. Persons with disabilities or are in need of translation services are asked to notify the Human Resources Office at least three days prior to the date on which the requested accommodation is needed. Human Resources Officer: Voice: [phone] or TDD: [phone] or FAX: [phone]