Two stories here:
1 – Brownsville’s principal is leaving 1 December to become the Director of Accountability & Research
2 – What does a Director of Accountability & Research do?
Just received via email – *
“Dear Members of Our Brownsville Community:
I would like to be the first to share some news with you that impacts our school division and, most particularly, Brownsville.
This afternoon, our division will announce my appointment as the Director of Accountability & Research, and I will be moving to our central office in Charlottesville. The effective date of my appointment is December 1.
My new assignment will give me the chance to work with principals and faculty across our division to improve upon and expand student learning.
The division immediately will begin a search for my successor with a goal of making a decision no later than next spring. As is our division’s practice, you will have an opportunity to participate in the search process through an online survey. Your views on the qualities you value in your next principal will matter a great deal to the search committee.
Barbara Edwards, who retired from our school division after serving for 12 years as principal at Broadus Wood Elementary School, will serve as our interim principal while the search is being completed. I will be working diligently with her to ensure a successful transition.
My five years as your principal have been beyond exhilarating. Our students and staff have earned impressive awards; we unveiled a technology learning center that is a showcase not just in our division, but for our state and nation; we have become among the largest and, I would argue, one of the most successful elementary schools in our country.
But more meaningful than all of these important achievements is the excitement, enthusiasm and energy that welcomes me to Brownsville every day. I love our students, admire our dedicated staff, and am grateful for the incredible support our parents and guardians provide to us. It is your support that makes so many wonderful things possible for our students.
Thank you for being such an important contributor to our school community, which continues to make it possible for our school to build upon its remarkable tradition of excellence.
Best wishes for a highly enjoyable Thanksgiving holiday.
Sincerely,
India Haun”
What is “Director of Accountability and Research?” you ask?
I’m posting this job description in its entirety in case it disappears as internet stuff does sometimes.
From Albemarle County’s site:
Internal Only – Director of Accountability & Research
Posting ID 1291
Description
Internal Applicants Only
Director of Accountability & Research
Department of Accountability Research & Technology
The Director of Accountability and Research builds a collaborative vision for optimizing the sharing and use of knowledge, data, and best practices across the organization through the categorization, codification, and dissemination of student assessment data. The position will provide leadership for research, development, dissemination and application of best practices on teaching and learning and the use of data as an accelerator for the Division’s goals. This position will lead the development, coordination and implementation of an effective program of professional development in the use of data to support the Board/Superintendent Goals and Priorities; perform complex administrative work in planning, organizing, coordinating, and directing the administration in partnership with designated Office of Instruction staff; oversee the operation, maintenance, security planning and deployment of accountability systems. The Director will work closely with the Executive Leadership Team to provide coordination and management for a variety of team-based activities and services to support student success. Essential functions include and are not limited to the following:
– Collaborates with the Department of Instruction to develop reports and analysis to inform teaching practice and school strategy. The goal is to prepare teachers and administrators to effectively use data to make decisions in schools and classrooms
– Creates and disseminates student achievement reports
– Manages stakeholder feedback survey process and analysis
– Trains principals and other stakeholders on how to analyze data, use data to identify gaps and challenges, and how to effectively present data reports to their staff
– Builds and executes the District’s research and program evaluation plan to include designing, training, consultation, and reporting
Maintains and improves the District Balanced Scorecard to aid in District management and Albemarle County Public School Board oversight
Leads a standing workgroup to improve data accuracy and database naming conventions by developing and implementing standardized processes pertaining to data entry and reporting of student information
Manages compliance reporting needs by gathering data from schools and reporting to various state and federal agencies
Oversees District and school accountability processes including development of short and long-term performance metrics, development and delivery of reports on school and system performance and working with staff at all levels to understand and use performance data
Serves as subject matter expert possessing extensive knowledge pertaining to VA state accountability systems and represents the District in external accountability discussions
Serves as project director on implementation and management of instructional management system that supports teachers and administrators throughout the system
Oversees external research requests and processes; solicits external research partnerships
QUALIFICATIONS: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a minimum of a master’s degree in education supplemented by at least five years experience in education or technical field; experience in providing school-based accountability measures; Must have supervisory or comprehensive leadership experience. Thorough knowledge of state and federal laws, regulations, and requirements regarding school accreditation, achievement testing, and retention of student records is required.
Exceptional oral and written communication skills; strong leadership skills in support of school division information management goals; strong analytical and problem-solving skills; comprehensive project management experience; comprehensive knowledge of professional development and media services; proven expertise in the planning and implementing of information management and technology systems; ability to perform systems analysis and needs assessments; ability to develop effective plans to meet accountability and research needs; ability to plan and supervise the work of technical personnel; technical expertise with computer systems; eagerness to learn and apply new technologies to support data analytics and reporting; ability to write clear and concise reports; ability to present technical information to decision-makers.
PHYSICAL CONDITIONS AND NATURE OF WORK CONTACTS: Work is typically performed in an office, conference room, classroom, and computer lab or server room. Continuous ability to communicate by telephone is necessary. Regular use of computers, printers and other peripherals is necessary. Work may include handling technology equipment up to 50 pounds. Occasional travel to locations throughout the School Division and State is required. Regular contact is made with School Division staff at all levels. Contacts are usually cooperative; however require tact, diplomacy and professionalism. External contacts with vendors and other agencies are necessary. Occasional need to perform urgent tasks to meet organizational deadlines. Frequent work activity after normal duty hours, and occasional weekend duties may be necessary.
SALARY: Pay Grade N/A
DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS: 10/9/2015
APPLY: Please submit letter of interest and resume via online application system
