| Summary Description:
Under the general direction of the International Admissions and Enrollment director, the English Language Development (ELD) Testing Assistant, provides direction and accountability support to school staff and guides processes related to Emergent Multilingual Learner (EML) identification, services, and compliance. Supports the centralized ELD Testing Specialist team in preparing assessment workflows, reviewing data, troubleshooting platform issues, and ensuring all assessment related tasks meet state and federal requirements. Researches questions and issues concerning ELD accountability tasks for each school to comply with all local, state, and federal requirements for EML students. Collaborates with the Division of Multilingual Education and ELD teams to ensure accuracy in the EML platform in Synergy to ensure compliance with state and federal reporting. Interfaces with students, families, and guardians of diverse cultural backgrounds while promoting a positive and welcoming climate. Positions in this class work both collaboratively and independently and are expected to maintain confidentiality, as well as exercise sound judgment and discretion in making day-to-day decisions.
Physical Demands: Ability to travel throughout the county.
Special Requirements: Leave requests during peak enrollment periods in the summer months are subject to operational needs and supervisory approval
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Knowledge, Skills, Abilities: Knowledge of MCPS schools and educational programs in general, and ELD programs specifically. Knowledge of English language development principles and practices. Knowledge of centralized ELD assessment workflows and state mandated English language proficiency screening requirements. Ability to support technical troubleshooting for assessment platforms and student databases (e.g., Canvas, Synergy Student Information System (SIS)) and resolve data- or intake related issues. Ability to support centralized test preparation processes, including data verification and tracking, registration, accommodations, family engagement, and compliance documentation. Ability to develop clear procedural guidance and job aids for schools related to accountability processes (not direct test administration), as well as identify and address areas for operational process improvement. Excellent oral and written communication skills in English. Considerable knowledge of business English, spelling, general vocabulary, and arithmetic; considerable knowledge of modern office practices, procedures, and equipment; considerable knowledge of the general organization and functions of relevant offices and schools. MCPS. Ability to keep complex records, to assemble and organize data, and to prepare reports from such records. 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 solve problems 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 MCPS database and website (Synergy SIS and Canvas). 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 core competencies of the Supporting Services Professional Growth System (SSPGS). |
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Education, Training, and Experience:High School or GED diploma required. Associate's degree preferred. Minimum of two years of experience working with EML students and parents, including familiarity with ELD accountability processes. Experience developing, updating, and managing spreadsheets and databases to support data tracking, quality control, and reporting (e.g., Excel, Google Sheets, Synergy SIS exports).Experience working with state and federally mandated assessment programs and associated data systems, such as English language proficiency assessments (e.g., WIDA/ACCESS), including tasks related to roster verification, accommodations, intake workflows, or compliance documentation. Experience handling detailed, time sensitive, multistep workflows requiring accuracy, follow-through, and tracking of required documentation. 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: None |
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Example Duties: (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. Collaborates with the Division of Multilingual Education and ELD teams to ensure accuracy in the EML platform in Synergy to ensure compliance with state and federal reporting.2. Reviews each ELD accountability document received, recognizes any inconsistencies, and communicates discrepancies and resolutions to the ELD teams to ensure compliance with Title III of Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) of 2015 and Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) mandates relating to EMLs.3. Navigates through resources like Synergy, Google Suite, and Canvas to review, update, and maintain student information according to established processes.4. Processes all accountability documentation, such as initial entry and MD transfers, ELD re-entries, and parent refusals in Synergy SIS.5. Updates, changes, and deletes entries and corrects data files.6. Responds to a high volume of emails from school-based ELD staff regarding EML identification, EML screening, and ELD K-12 accountability inquiries promptly. 7. Exercises tact and sound judgment when communicating with assigned schools and various offices.8. Supports Testing Specialists in administrative, scheduling, and organizational tasks and manages the English language proficiency screening process (planning, data verification, registration, accommodations, and reporting).9. Assists in preparing centralized testing materials, data files, and reports used by the ELD Testing Specialists.10. Prepares students for screening by welcoming them to the test session in a culturally proficient manner and clarifying the process to the student’s parents/guardians.11. Performs first tier technical troubleshooting of assessment platforms (e.g., Canvas, Synergy SIS) and escalates issues as needed.Serves as critical contributors to process improvements in collaboration with the DME and Synergy teams to streamline current English proficiency screening data collection and the processing of student screening results and their identification as EML students.12. Supports centralized accountability and compliance tracking by maintaining logs, verifying documentation, and preparing records and reports.13. Develops and updates procedural guides, presentations, and communication templates related to EML intake, screening workflows, and compliance.14. Analyzes data inconsistencies and prepares summaries for Testing Specialists to review and resolve.15. Coordinates with Testing Specialists to ensure testing windows, data submissions, and reporting deadlines are met.16. Visits schools and provides training and assistance to school based staff on accountability processes, data entry, record keeping and procedural compliance. This may be done independently or in conjunction with a Testing Specialist.17. Performs related work as required. |
