Job Number:      2012-00098                                        

Division:      P-16 Initiatives                                                                                          

Open Date:         April 26, 2012

Office:          Academic Planning & Policy                                                                

Salary:          $8,000.00 - $8,333.00 per month

This limited term position is available through August 31, 2014.  The extension of this limited term position beyond August 31, 2014 is contingent upon funding and the status of the project.

General Description

Performs advanced (senior-level) project management work and leadership for implementation of the statewide TSI Assessment Project for determining college readiness.  Work involves, coordinating and implementing the Texas Success Initiative (TSI) Assessment Project under the direction of the Director of Developmental Education and Adult Basic Education and in close collaboration with the Director of Research and Evaluation, agency leadership, and other agency program and policy staff. Works under limited supervision with considerable latitude for use of initiative and independent judgment.

General Duties and Responsibilities

• Manages the development and implementation of the new statewide assessment under the TSI Assessment Project and related activities.
• Manages the TSI Assessment Project contract with a major vendor to accomplish a complex program with statewide economic and academic impact.
• Manages timely administration of the tests and analysis, interpretation, and reporting of assessment results in coordination with the selected vendor for the TSI Assessment Project and needs of agency leadership.
• Manages quality control review of psychometric procedures, analyses and interpretations, and technical documentation and communications to ensure appropriate standards for and understanding of the reliability and validity of the new TSI Assessment and other assessments under the TSI Assessment Project for TSI exemption purposes.
• Coordinates with TEA staff regarding the STAAR End of Course assessments as appropriate and with testing organization officials regarding other assessments used in support of the new TSI Assessment.
• Provides policy support and technical assistance to agency leadership on the TSI Assessment Project and other assessments and non-assessment-related categories used for TSI exemption purposes.
• Develops and conducts presentations for small and large groups regarding the TSI Assessment and related activities.
• Coordinates regularly with other agency departments to facilitate use of student performance data where appropriate.
• Engages public and professional external groups in activities that support the student assessment program.
• Communicates internally and externally with interested and affected parties in a timely manner to provide accurate information and to share upcoming activities according to the development schedule for the TSI Assessment.
• May represent the agency in meetings, hearings, trials, legislative sessions, conferences and seminars, or on boards, panels and committees related to the TSI Assessment Project.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Required Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Graduation with a Master’s degree from an accredited college or university with major graduate course work in education or educational or higher educational administration; educational curriculum and instruction; assessment; psychometrics; research, evaluation, or statistical methods; or business or public administration.
• Six years of responsible and substantive experience in managing a large-scale assessment program.
• Experience must include planning or design of assessment projects and project management.
• Doctorate from an accredited college or university with major graduate school course work in related fields may substitute for two years of the required work experience.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of technical aspects of test development and administration; related state and federal statutes, policies, and regulations; and national technical assessment standards; and working knowledge of major college readiness initiatives in the state and representative college readiness programs in the nation.
• Ability to direct and organize program activities; analyze and interpret complex statutory requirements; establish program goals and objectives; identify problems, evaluate alternatives, and implement effective solutions; develop and evaluate policies and procedures; handle multiple and shifting priorities; prepare concise reports; and plan, assign, and supervise the work of others.
• Knowledge and understanding of principles of both classical test and item response theories and modern computer adaptive testing for large-scale assessment programs.
• Knowledge related to developing and administering assessments for English language learners and students with disabilities; end-of-course tests, online assessments, and Adult Basic Education.
• Knowledge of the Texas education system.
• Proficient in using a personal computer and various software applications including Microsoft Office products, in a Windows environment.
• Must be able to travel up to 15% time.
• Excellent oral and written communications skills to effectively communicate to a wide range of individuals.
• Skill in analytical thinking, interpersonal and leadership skills, and professional writing.
• Knowledgeable of customer service deliverables
• Ability to demonstrate flexibility and adaptability toward changes in assignments.
• Ability to attend work regularly and reliably.
• Ability to meet periodic milestones and final deadlines.
• Ability to adhere to the organization’s internal management policies and procedures.

Preferred Qualifications

• Technical experience developing and implementing assessments on a statewide basis or for a large school system
• Doctorate from an accredited college or university with major graduate course work in education or educational or higher educational administration; educational curriculum and instruction; assessment; psychometrics; research, evaluation, or statistical methods; or business or public administration.

Job offer and continuation of employment with THECB is contingent upon

• Proof of educational credentials that satisfies the minimum requirements of the position.
• Eligibility/authorization to work in the U.S.
• Satisfactory results from Criminal History Background Check. 

If applicable, compliance with the Selective Service Law for males ages 18-25.  Please be advised that under Texas law, names and other information concerning applicants or nominees may be subject to disclosure upon request.

Physical Requirements and/or Working Conditions:

Work is performed in a standard office environment and requires

• Regular and punctual attendance.
• Frequent use of personal computer, copiers, printers and telephones.
• Frequent sitting.
• Frequently works under deadlines, as a team member, and in direct contact with others.

Application Requirements