Data Specialist, Student Testing

Job Description
Performs the full range of professional duties required to collect, review, manipulate, analyze, and interpret student data for specific or general student populations, including demographic, performance, and qualitative outcomes from the state, divisionwide, and ad hoc measures; consults with school-based and central instructional and administrative staff to provide guidance in the utilization of student data in order to increase student achievement and improve instructional services; aids in preparing reports of quantitative and qualitative data to address programmatic questions for schools, regions, and department administrators.

Required

• Any combination of education and experience equivalent to a bachelor's degree in computer science, education, or a related field.
• Four (4) years of experience in data analysis and interpretation, some of which shall have involved student data and instructional information.
  • Advanced degree(s) beyond the minimum degree requirement in a relevant field may be considered for some experience.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of instructional test analysis or data analysis.
• Proficiency in the utilization of computer technology as a tool for student data and instructional planning and evaluation tasks.
• Knowledge of FCPS organization and goals, including the test administration process.
• Ability to design presentations and explain projects, technical concepts, or issues to individuals in both a technical and non-technical manner.
• Ability to work cooperatively as part of a team or as a team lead.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative relationships with school and office personnel.

Preferred

• Supplemental coursework in principles, concepts, and methodologies of testing, psychometrics, or instructional program assessment.
• Teaching experience.

1. Performs appropriate qualitative and quantitative analysis of student and instructional data.
2. Provides data to division departments, offices, sections, and schools.
3. Provides consultation, training, professional development, and customized support to schools, regions, and department administrators to assist them with statistical analysis and in using assessment results to determine strengths and weaknesses in instructional programs.
4. Uses database, spreadsheet, and/or statistical software for data integration, management, and analyses.
5. Uses a variety of computer software to prepare written and oral reports, analyses, statistical documents, and presentations for a range of audiences and projects, such as staffing projections, target review, and school planning, as assigned.
6. Collaborates with other Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) employees and offices on data-related issues.
7. Works as a team member and/or leader in designing and developing tools for assessing student performance, progress, and achievement.
8. Responds to ad hoc requests from the leadership team, offices, and schools; assists management with the development of project timelines.
9. May ensure accuracy of federal/state/county/division test results and other student data.
10. May participate in decision-making related to strategic and instructional planning, reteaching, and intervention.
11. May plan and design databases and web applications.
12. May prepare journal-type articles to publicize FCPS research and evaluation.
13. Performs related duties as required or assigned.

Work Environment/Physical Requirements
This job operates in a professional office environment and has a noise level of mostly low to moderate. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets, and fax machines.