Specialist, High School LiteracySocial Studies

BASIC

FUNCTION & RESPONSIBILITY: The primary role of the High School Literacy and Social Studies Specialist is to guide the implementation of the District’s Literacy Framework through the consistent and aligned use of the District’s literacy and social studies curriculum.

ENTRY QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, Valid Texas Teacher Certification, and Three years of classroom teaching experience.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATION:

Master’s degree from an accredited college or university, ESL supplement or certification, and Experience creating and presenting professional development at the district or campus level.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

Knowledge of literacy research-based instructional strategies. Knowledge of Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS), English Language Proficiency Standards (ELPS), state assessments including STAAR and TELPAS, and College, Career, and Military Readiness (CCMR) Standards. Knowledge of high-quality instructional materials (HQIM). Knowledge of curriculum design, implementation, and evaluation. Knowledge of effective instructional strategies including structured academic conversations, vocabulary instruction, higher-order thinking questions, and collaborative learning structures. Knowledge of classroom management methodologies. Knowledge of curriculum design, implementation, evaluation, and refinement. Knowledge of the continuous improvement principles. Knowledge and understanding of the complexities of building collaborative structures in the educational environment. Skill in the use of technology as a learning tool in all content areas. Skill in assisting with collection and interpretation of data to assist in adjustment of curriculum to support student learning. Skill in operating standard computer and software applications, including but not limited to electronic mail, word processing, spreadsheets, databases, and presentations. Skill in communicating effectively verbally and in writing. Ability to develop professional trust and rapport to effectively coach teachers to improvement. Ability to collaboratively locate and obtain instructional materials to support the aligned curriculum. Ability to collaboratively employ a systems-perspective to maximize attainment of learning goals. Ability to assist in engaging others in collective inquiry and problem solving. Ability to assist in design, delivery, and integration of curriculum. Ability to collaboratively analyze trends and lead improvement initiatives. Ability to collaboratively plan, organize, and deliver quality professional development. Ability to organize and prioritize work responsibilities.

CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES: The essential functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the characteristic duties, responsibilities, knowledge, skills, and abilities noted herein; however, this is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by positions found in this job description.

Create, Maintain, and Support District Math Curriculum System

Create and maintain district curriculum documents for all high school on-level and advanced reading/language arts (RLA) and social studies courses. Collaborate and hold shared responsibility with Advanced Academic Coordinator for advanced courses.Collaborate and hold shared responsibility with RtI Coordinator regarding intervention courses. Maintain a structure for the implementation of curriculum-based assessments for courses using high-quality instructional materials (HQIM). Support District Literacy Coaches and teacher teams in creation of common assessments for courses that do not have a HQIM. Create district assessments for high school RLA and social studies courses according to the BISD assessment plan and calendar. Assist in reviewing and procuring instructional materials for courses that do not have HQIM. Actively and collaboratively plan and facilitate systemwide efforts regarding the review and refinement of the District Literacy Instructional Framework and HQIM for core courses.

Support Classroom Instruction and Curriculum Implementation

Conduct weekly instructional walks, in collaboration with Campus and/or C&I Leadership, using designated form(s) to look for curriculum implementation targets and instructional best practices. Support District Literacy Coaches in implementing the District’s coaching cycle by: Modeling coaching conversations with teachers,Collaboratively planning coaching cycles,Modeling and co-teaching lessons from District math curriculum,Observing classroom instruction and model giving teacher feedback,Observing and providing feedback to coaches regarding teacher feedback, planning coaching cycles, and setting goals. Conduct coaching cycles on a campus as a model for District Coaches. Conduct coaching conferences throughout the cycle using appropriate communication and questioning strategies. Provide verbal and written feedback from math walkthroughs using appropriate communication strategies. Assist and support written curriculum development, including vertical alignment, as assigned. Model facilitating collaborative planning meetings using District unit and lesson internalization protocols and micro-teach guidelines. Determine District Literacy Framework and Curriculum implementation needs and provide suggestions to Campus and District Leadership. Assist District Literacy Coaches in supporting teacher teams with understanding the rigor and depth of lesson objectives and student outcomes. Support District Coaches in assisting teacher teams with implementing and analyzing curriculum-based and district assessments¸ using established data protocols and processes. Assist Principals, District Coaches and Teachers in disaggregating and analyzing student achievement data, including student work, to reflect on student growth and to determine appropriate instructional adjustments. Monitor and review, proactively, campus-level student achievement data and use findings to make recommendations regarding district goals and appropriate responses to data.

Professional Learning

Work with district leadership to create a culture of professional learning in order to meet the needs of all students. Present and/or facilitate professional development in large and small group settings according to district needs, including, but not limited to: Curriculum planning and implementation, Priority instructional strategies, Differentiation for student needs, Assessments and student work analysis, and New teacher support. Help prepare and facilitate weekly District Coach meetings focused on implementing the BISD Literacy Framework and Curriculum. Actively pursue professional growth by attending appropriate conferences and professional learning activities.

 Management of Administrative, Fiscal and/or Facilities Functions:

Develop and maintain the District’s curriculum to ensure student learning of the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS). Facilitate development of curriculum-based assessments aligned to the depth and complexity of the TEKS. Design, implement, measure, refine assigned programs and/or content areas, and assist with quality improvement efforts. Work collaboratively with instructional coaches, members of the department, and campuses to establish exemplary classroom learning environments. Respond in a timely and positive manner to all requests for support from campus and district administrators. Exhibit a high degree of initiative in response to requests for curricular/instructional support. Model/demonstrate exemplary lesson delivery. Assist teachers/teacher teams in developing instructional units that integrate content and implement meaningful use of technology as a learning tool. Facilitate the development of collaborative cultures at the campus and district levels. Share leadership responsibility with campus and district administrators for creating change-adept learning communities. Network with out-of-district entities to ensure district practices stay current with state and national best practice trends. Plan, deliver, facilitate, and implement quality professional development aligned with the district goals and initiatives. Ensure continuous improvement in teacher and student performance through effective coaching cycle protocols. Assume a leadership role in the adoption and acquisition of aligned instructional resources. Develop and maintain up-to-date curriculum scope and sequence documents and required and recommended resources in district designated management systems/websites.  Establish, monitor, and support the district’s viable and guaranteed curriculum.  Coordinate departmental activities with other District offices and administrators and provide assistance to requesting departments.

 Organization Improvement:

Analyze critical needs in assigned areas and work collaboratively to implement and improve programs.

 Data Use to Support Student Achievement:

Create data reports from various data management systems as needed, including but not limited to Eduphoria, walkthrough forms, curriculum implementation checks, surveys. Analyze and respond to school data and educational trends. Support the administration of state-mandated testing at campuses in compliance with state and federal guidelines. Monitor and review campus test data and use findings to assist with planning to close achievement gaps between student groups and/or campuses.

 School/Community Relations:

Interface with governmental agencies, business and civic organizations, and the community to provide needed information and to promote the District’s initiatives.

 Organization Morale:

Foster positive morale by participating in team building activities and the decision-making process. Communicate and collaborate with campus/department staff to enhance service delivery, program development, and customer satisfaction. Maintain professional and timely communication. Maintain confidentiality of student and teacher/campus performance.

 Other Responsibilities:

Comply with policies established by federal and state law, including but not limited to State Board of Education and local Board policy. Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

  SUPERVISION EXERCISED: Provide guidance and direction to assigned staff. 

PHYSICAL & MENTAL DEMANDS:

Maintain emotional control under stress. Work with frequent interruptions. Travel district-wide frequently. Work extended and irregular hours. Sit for extended periods of time. Use computer for prolonged period resulting in repetitive hand motions. Lift and/or move up to 20 lbs. occasionally.

 ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS:

Work is normally performed in a typical interior office work environment with little or no exposure to physical risk.

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