Immediate: Evaluation Specialist (12-month), Applied Research Unit, 1.0 FTE

Montgomery County Schools - Rockville, MD

- Mid Level

Rockville, MD

Educational Services

About the position

Under direction of the Supervisor of Applied Research, conducts and designs scientific research studies that seek to solve practical educational problems. Conducts outcome evaluations of major educational programs, instructional initiatives and educational policies. Analyzes large amounts of data using qualitative and quantitative methods. Communicates research findings in clear and effective manners to a range of educational audiences in written (formal reports) and presentation formats. Serves as an expert resource to other offices within the school system on research and evaluation methodology, survey development, student test score analysis and interpretation.

Responsibilities

• Conduct and design scientific research studies to solve practical educational problems.
• Conduct outcome evaluations of major educational programs, instructional initiatives, and educational policies.
• Analyze large amounts of data using qualitative and quantitative methods.
• Communicate research findings to a range of educational audiences in written and presentation formats.
• Serve as an expert resource on research and evaluation methodology, survey development, and student test score analysis.

Requirements

• Masters degree (Doctorate preferred) in a social science area such as educational measurement and evaluation, psychology, sociology, etc.
• Intensive coursework in research methodology, applied statistics, measurement, and/or evaluation.
• Two years or more of experience with research design, statistics, and evaluation of educational programs in a public school system.
• Extensive knowledge of social science research and evaluation methodology and advanced statistics using statistical software, such as SPSS.
• Extensive knowledge of educational program evaluations, inferential statistics, experimental and quasi-experimental designs.
• Skill to build large and complex data files using syntax data editor.
• Thorough knowledge of the MCPS local tests, Maryland state-mandated testing program, and national testing programs.

Nice-to-haves

• Knowledge of current educational research, design, statistics, and evaluation in a wide variety of areas and settings.
• Ability to work efficiently and effectively in a fast-paced work environment and under tight deadlines.
• Excellent ability to communicate technical information in an understandable way to non-technical audiences.
• Ability to work effectively with internal and external staff from various parts of a school system and/or community.
• Excellent human relations skills.