Director of Curriculum and Instruction

DIRECTOR OF CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION

Director of Curriculum and Instruction- 12 month

Full-time

Comprehensive benefits package at no contributing cost to the employees

SCHOOL DESCRIPTION

West Philadelphia Achievement Charter Elementary School (WPACES) is an Arts and Technology Kindergarten through 5th grade elementary school requiring strong leadership from a dedicated professional who will participate on the school's Leadership Team and support the school's principal. The Director of Curriculum & Instruction must be data-driven and passionate about closing the achievement gaps found in many urban school settings, while also creating a loving environment where students, families, and staff feel comfortable and at home. WPACES is a family-oriented environment with family and community involvement being an integral part of our mission, which is to enrich the lives of our students. Some important aspects of the work as the Director of Curriculum & Instruction include maintaining visibility throughout the building, establishing a professional rapport with students and staff, cultivating a collaborative environment, and establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with parents, parent organizations, outside agencies, and the community.

JOB SUMMARY

To establish and supervise the effective operation of instructional programs throughout the school.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Strategic Planning-Curricular and Instructional Improvement

• Provide School-wide leadership and support to the school in the areas of supervision and evaluation of curriculum, assessment and program development.
• Guide the school in meeting the requirements of PA State Board of Education Rules and Regulations, Chapter 4 Academic Standards and Assessment (including the development, implementation and monitoring of the strategic plan and school improvement plan), and State Board of Education rules and regulations for curriculum, assessment, instruction and mandated federal reports.
• Conduct and coordinate school-wide action research and collect data to evaluate and measure the effectiveness of the total educational program, ensuring alignment with current trends in research-based best practices.
• Provide direction regarding the School's educational and assessment program, determining comprehensive and representative samples of student achievement data and demographic information necessary for making reliable and effective decisions about student performance and school improvement planning.
• Work with the leadership team, teachers, committees and the technology department in organizing and coordinating grade level and department meetings to ensure horizontal and vertical integration and articulation of the instructional program throughout the school.
• Establish procedures for the evaluation and selection of educational programs and resources. Develop an action plan for curricular and instructional modifications and interventions that enhance student learning and improve academic performance.

Curriculum & Assessment

• Establish and articulate a clear philosophy and shared mission and vision of the school and of K-5 teaching and learning in conjunction with the school's Leadership Team.
• Develop and implement a school-wide plan for curriculum review and improvement consistent with the established curricular philosophy and goals.
• With the school's Leadership Team, interpret the current curriculum and assessment program and present any proposed changes to the Board, the staff and the general public.
• Direct and coordinate the planning, development and implementation of all local and State assessments. Direct and coordinate the reporting of the School's test data information to all relevant stakeholders.
• Establish and monitor national, state and local assessment plans and revise to continually improve the effectiveness and efficiency of data collection, analysis and reporting (e.g. Performance Pathways, growth standard PVAAS or achievement results in PSSA such as GrowNet, e-Metric, etc.).
• Provide the school's Leadership Team with reliable and valid data and data sources for designing school improvement plans, intervention programs and for monitoring the impact and effects of instructional initiatives on student achievement.
• Work in collaboration with the Special Education Coordinator to support the Special Education Team to create and implement procedures and protocols related to Chapters 14 of the Pennsylvania Code (relating to the provision of special education supports) and ensure alignment with the instructional program
• Serves as Local Education Agency (LEA) representative in special education meetings as necessary.

Performance Evaluation and Human Resources

• Evaluate teacher/department heads' professional growth needs, roles and responsibilities, providing them with leadership in school and instructional program improvement.
• Examine, evaluate and provide direction regarding the delivery of the School's curriculum, professional development programs and in-service activities for the professional education staff.
• Participate in staff selection and orientation processes. Provide support to improve staff performance (e.g., observations, consultations, meeting, etc.).
• Conducts daily teacher observations and provides real-time feedback to support gains in student achievement.
• Develop staff to ensure that all daily lessons, homework, and additional support for students are well-managed and rigorous.

Professional Development

• Direct and coordinate the planning and delivery of effective professional development and induction programs.
• Direct and chair the School Professional Development team in the review, analysis and approval of professional development proposals.
• Design and deliver professional development activities, courses, institutes and approve other professional development requests (e.g., course-work, workshops, conferences, etc.) in collaboration with the principal and School Professional Development Team.
• Establish procedures and processes and monitor the approval and reporting of Act 48 professional development actions and activities.

Financial

• Pursue partnerships with university sponsored programs and other entities/organizations.
• Advise the purchase of supplies, equipment and resources for assigned areas of responsibilities and ensures that program resources are equitably apportioned.

Communications

• Assist with the School's internal and external public communications (e.g. school report card, annual report, etc.).
• Assist with preparation of public relations materials (e.g. curriculum and promotional brochures, professional development and instructional videos, etc.).
• Work with building-level staff to develop articles and presentations publicizing instructional programs and professional development activities.

Day-to-Day Operations

• Requests approval from the Principal for all decisions of the School Leadership team, as well as all communications to families and community members.
• Provide support, guidance and oversight to Literacy and Math coaches
• Conduct informal and formal observations and evaluations of Literacy and Math coaches
• Conduct informal observations and evaluations of any other staff as designated by the principal
• Conduct data review meetings and provide relevant academic data at the meeting
• Oversee the RtII/MTSS process as related to academics, by developing an action plan for curricular and instructional accommodations, modifications and interventions that enhance student learning and improve academic performance, including the integration of the Child Study Team (CST) model with the school's RtII/MTSS framework and support for students in who have special education supports and services or disability accommodations
• Oversee the creation and implementation of the Chapter 16 Gifted Program
• Lead Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) meetings with literacy and math coaches regularly and in conjunction or collaboratively with the Assistant Principal and Principal, when appropriate
• Test Coordinator for standardized tests (PSSA), benchmarks, universal screeners, and other testing
• With the support of the Assistant Principal and Principal, lead professional development for teachers and instructional assistants
• Plan, implement and oversee summer school and afterschool programming
• Performs other specific job-related duties as directed by the Principal

JOB REQUIREMENTS

• All candidates must possess a Bachelor's Degree and Master's Degree in Education, Doctorate Degree preferred
• All candidates must possess a Supervisory certification in Curriculum & Instruction, an Administrative Provisional I or Administrative I (75) certification
• All candidates must possess at least three (3) or more years working in an urban school/community
• All candidates must be able to obtain or currently have all three Pennsylvania State background clearances (Federal, PA State, & Child Abuse)
• Strong data analysis skills
• Evidence of utilizing data to drive student results
• Strong communication skills
• Strong organizational skills
• Strong, progressive education leader with Executive and Supervisory management skills