| Summary Description:
Under the direction of the International Admissions and Enrollment director, the Instructional Specialist for English Language Development (ELD) Assessment and Instructional Support leads the instructional implementation of Maryland’s English language proficiency identification and annual assessment system, including the World-Class Instructional Design and Assessment (WIDA) Screener and WIDA Assessing Comprehension and Communication in English State-to-State (ACCESS) assessment.
Through an equity-centered trauma-informed approach, administers, scores, and interprets the state-mandated English language proficiency assessment to identify potential Emergent Multilingual Learners (EMLs) who enroll through the International Admissions and Enrollment (IAE) Office. Also, administers, scores, and interprets the literacy and numeracy assessments to determine eligibility of EML students referred to the Students with Limited/ Interrupted Formal Education (SLIFE) program. Interfaces with students, families, and guardians of diverse cultural backgrounds while promoting a positive and welcoming climate. Skilled in relating to children and in classroom management techniques to obtain optimum test results. Coaches school staff and collaborates with Emergent Multilingual Learner Therapeutic Counselors (ETCs) and staff in the Division of Multilingual Education regarding testing protocols.
The specialist builds school capacity to use English Language Proficiency (ELP) data to improve instruction and outcomes for EMLs. Responsibilities include designing and delivering professional learning; coaching school‑based teams; ensuring fidelity to secure testing protocols across the school system; and managing data quality, analysis, and reporting aligned with Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) and Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR) requirements.
Work involves partnering with MCPS offices, school administrators, ELD teams, and multilingual family communities.
Physical Demands: Duties require travel throughout the county and movement of materials weighing up to 25 pounds for training.
Special Requirements: May require availability during peak enrollment or assessment periods. Occasional evening and weekend availability required to support professional development, testing windows, and family engagement activities. Must hold a valid Maryland ELD teaching certificate and complete state-mandated English language proficiency placement assessment certification upon hire.
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Knowledge of MCPS schools and educational programs in general, and ELD programs specifically. Knowledge of English language development principles and practices, and instructional practices for multilingual learners. Knowledge of the evaluation of students’ English language proficiency skills (listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills).Skilled in adult learning design, professional development facilitation, and instructional coaching for teachers and school leaders. Ability to analyze and communicate assessment data using systems such as WIDA Assessment Management System (WIDA AMS), as well as Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) data systems, including Performance Matters and Synergy Student Information System (Synergy SIS). Excellent organizational, written, and verbal communication skills in English, with the ability to work collaboratively with diverse staff, families, and multilingual communities, and working knowledge of a foreign language. Commitment to equity‑centered, trauma‑informed practices.Ability to courteously and effectively interact with students and parents from diverse cultural backgrounds. Ability to effectively communicate and collaborate daily with the public and school staff. Ability to perform tasks quickly and accurately, under strict time constraints; must be extremely detail-oriented. Ability to work independently while also functioning in a team environment. Demonstrates knowledge and ability to problem solve independently and proactively. Ability to handle and respond effectively to a high volume of emails. Ability to utilize office technology, including proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office and Google Suite applications, and the MCPS database and website. Excellent organizational, time management, and human relations skills. Exercises extreme tact in working with confidential information. Knowledge of or the ability to quickly learn and meet the seven performance standards of the Teacher Professional Growth System. |
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Education, Training, and Experience:Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university required. Master’s degree in Education, Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL), Applied Linguistics, Curriculum Instruction, or a related field preferred. At least three years of ELD teaching experience, including experience leading professional development, coaching educators, and working with EML students and families. Other combinations of applicable education, training, and experience that provide the knowledge, abilities, and skills necessary to perform effectively in the position may be considered.Certificate License: Meets Maryland State Certification requirements for ELD teacher. |
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EXAMPLES OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: (The duties listed are typical examples of the work performed by this job classification. This is not an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements, and does not limit the assignment of additional related duties for the position. Not all duties assigned are included, nor are all duties listed performed in every office or every day.)1. Administers and scores the state-mandated English language proficiency screener to newcomers who enroll through the International Admissions and Enrollment Office (IAE) as identified by the Maryland Home Language Survey.2. Administers and scores mathematics and native language reading tests to eligible EMLs who have interrupted formal education to identify students eligible for the SLIFE program.3. Provides assessment results and school information to parents/ guardians. Communicates test results to ELD teams at schools.4. Monitors and maintains adequate state-mandated English language proficiency assessments and SLIFE reading and mathematics testing materials.5. Coordinates and arranges students’ testing appointments.6. Provides comprehensive training and guidance to temporary part-time (TPTs) employees during peak enrollment periods regarding testing procedures.7. Provides families with assessment results in a clear and culturally responsive manner.8. Shares information about school programs, services, and ELD support to parents/guardians.9. Collaborates with school staff to ensure proper scheduling, follow-up, and ongoing monitoring of identified students.10. Supports staff development efforts related to screening and assessment practices.11. Performs related tasks as assigned to support the ELD program, enrollment process, and compliance with state and district requirements.12. Designs and delivers professional learning for teachers and school leaders on how to interpret the WIDA Screener and WIDA Assessing Comprehension and Communication in English State to State (ACCESS) results, and how to apply those results into instructional adjustments aligned to the WIDA English Language Development Standards. 13. Provides school-based coaching with ELD and content teachers to integrate English Language Proficiency (ELP) data into lesson planning, differentiation, and intervention/acceleration supports for EMLs.14. Builds and curates practical data briefs and dashboards (e.g., via Performance Matters and Synergy Student Information System) to help teams monitor student progress toward growth and exit criteria; facilitates data conversations in Professional Learning Communities (PLCs).15. Conducts school visits to provide on-site troubleshooting, fidelity checks, and coaching to ensure adherence to Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR) and Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) guidance. 16. Collaborates with special education and Section 504 teams to plan and implement appropriate accessibility features and accommodations for screening and testing, consistent with WIDA policy and student plans.17. Collects and identifies patterns in WIDA data, surface root causes, and advises on instructional next steps for EMLs. 18. Develops family-facing resources (guides, workshops) that explain ELP results, placement, progress monitoring, and exit criteria in accessible language and formats, in alignment with Maryland Identification and Placement Guidance. 19. Coordinates with the International Admissions and Enrollment (IAE) Office and ELD leadership to ensure timely identification, placement, and service delivery for newcomers and students eligible for the SLIFE program. 20. Maintains testing documentation, training records, and audit-ready evidence required by MSDE/WIDA, and communicates updates on timelines, procedures, and policy changes to the school team in collaboration with the ELD Testing Assistants. |
