Position Overview A full-time (100% FTE) position is open in the Institute on Community Integration’s (ICI) National Center on Educational Outcomes (NCEO). The person in this position will work collaboratively with the NCEO project team to provide support to state departments of education as they work to improve academic outcomes for students. This technical assistance will be focused on topics related to the inclusion of students with disabilities, including English learners with disabilities, in assessments. This involves providing expert knowledge and consultation on the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) data collection and reporting requirements, including sections 616 and 618 of IDEA, as well as the instruction and assessment requirements of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA). It also includes providing technical assistance on the implementation of the State Systemic Improvement Plan (SSIP) with particular focus on systematic approaches to connecting assessment data to shifts in practices to improve outcomes within the context of the larger standards-based system in states with assessment-related state identified measurable results (SIMRs).
The individual who fills this position will formulate and define technical assistance needs, and develops technical assistance and training that is well-designed and utilizes state-of-the-art methods. This includes technical assistance on issues related to accessibility on state and district assessments, and for formative assessment processes. The person who fills this position will have a substantial understanding of the needs of states and other stakeholders related to the inclusion of students with disabilities in assessments. The successful candidate will also demonstrate a commitment to the understanding of diversity and inclusion and cultural responsiveness with working with diverse and often marginalized populations.
The University of Minnesota encourages a healthy work life balance for employees. CEHD is committed to an excellent employee experience, offering a flexible work environment that meets the needs of students, staff, faculty, and the communities we serve. Flexible work arrangements may include flexibility in schedule and/or work location. Please note that 100% remote work requires approval. All UMN employees are expected to follow applicable public health and safety procedures.
Job Responsibilities
Delivery of Technical Assistance (40%)
Facilitate state efforts to implement the requirements of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) by providing research-based and policy-appropriate information.
Use data from State Performance Plans (SPPs), Annual Performance Reports (APRs) and State Systemic Improvement Plans (SSIPs) to assess states’ needs for assistance, and then design and provide technical assistance that aligns to standards to meet those needs.
Assist states with assessment-related SSIPs with development and implementation of strategies to address the State Identified Measurable Result (SIMR).
Provide consultation to states on the analysis and use of formative, interim, and summative assessment data to guide programmatic decisions and inform standards-based instructional practices.
Maintain up-to-date knowledge of issues, policies, and research on topics related to the inclusion of students with disabilities, including the needs of English learners with disabilities, in assessments.
Conduct events (teleconferences, webinars, meetings, etc.) for diverse audiences including State and federal department of education staff, educators, parents, and researchers.
Development of Technical Assistance Materials (30%)
Develop tools, products, and professional development materials to assist states in building their capacity to support their districts.
Engage in scholarship that will lead to reports and peer-reviewed journal articles, and that will support technical assistance activities, and provide useful information to policymakers, the federal government, states, and other stakeholders.
Develop materials for events (teleconferences, webinars, meetings, etc.) for diverse audiences including State and federal department of education staff, educators, parents, and researchers.
Technical Assistance Management and Program Oversight (30% time)
Develop workplans and timelines that ensure activities are completed on time and address project goals.
Supervise the work of professional staff and students in relation to specific project activities.
Assist in identifying potential grant partners, and lead or support grant writing, including authoring proposals or sections of proposals.
Other duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications
Masters degree in education, special education, education policy, educational psychology, public policy, or related field, and at least six (6) years of related experience.
Demonstrated experience working with students with disabilities or English learners with disabilities in K-12 settings in the U.S.
Adept at leading and facilitating in-person and online meetings, including the use of Zoom or other digital learning tools/platforms.
Ability to collaborate effectively with people from a variety of communities, backgrounds, and identities.
Ability to travel outside of Minnesota on a regular basis.
Desired Qualifications
Ph.D. or Ed.D. in education, special education, education policy, educational psychology, public policy, or related field.
Experience providing technical assistance to states.
Strong content expertise and experience on the inclusion of students with disabilities in assessments.
Thorough understanding of the instruction and assessment requirements in the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) and the requirements of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) regarding data collection and reporting, including sections 616 and 618 of IDEA.
Knowledge or relevant experience in State Systemic Improvement Plan (SSIP) assessment-related topics and issues
The University of Minnesota, founded in the belief that all people are enriched by understanding, is dedicated to the advancement of learning and the search for truth; to the sharing of this knowledge through education for a diverse community; and to the application of this knowledge to benefit the people of the state, the nation, and the world.
