4/6/04

BILINGUAL EDUCATION ADVISOR 2 20280

DEFINITION: This is advanced professional educational program work in the development, improvement, and expansion of statewide bilingual education and English as a Second language (ESL) programs.

The employee in this class is responsible for providing leadership and direction in the development, expansion, and improvement of bilingual and ESL education programs in the schools of the Commonwealth. Work involves planning, directing, and participating in the development of bilingual and ESL curricula, standards, and program guidelines for statewide application; establishing short range goals and priorities for the bilingual education advisory program; and formulating the long range bilingual and ESL education objectives for elementary and secondary schools. The employee is responsible for coordinating and directing the work of curriculum and research specialists in identifying, developing, and evaluating new approaches and innovative programs in bilingual and ESL program education areas. Work at this level is distinguished from the lower level by serving as the senior departmental advisor in the area of bilingual and ESL education and for providing departmental leadership in initiating, planning and conducting projects and studies. Work is performed with considerable independence and is subject to review by an administrative supervisor through conferences, reports and an evaluation of program results.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Develops objectives and goals for bilingual and ESL education consistent with departmental priorities and curriculum objectives.

Develops and interprets bilingual and ESL policies and guidelines for the state’s basic education community and makes recommendations for bilingual and ESL education policy changes and standards.

Acts as the senior specialist within the Department in providing leadership throughout the state in the diverse areas of bilingual and ESL education.

Coordinates the development of new approaches in bilingual and ESL education and in pilot testing of these approaches to evaluate the effectiveness in improving bilingual and ESL education.

Plans and coordinates the development or modification of curricula, courses of study, and resource materials for local schools.

Provides advisory and consultative services to local school administrators, teachers, curriculum supervisors, teacher preparation personnel, and others in planning, developing, improving, and evaluating bilingual and ESL education curriculum programs.

Participates in conferences and workshops for local school personnel, teacher preparation staff, and others interested in bilingual and ESL education. Recommends changes in legislation and certification standards for bilingual and ESL education and teacher competencies to improve programs within the state.

Disseminates information on current practices, new developments, methods, and materials in bilingual and ESL education through articles in journals, publications and membership and participation in professional associations.

Coordinates and directs projects funded by other state agencies, professional associations, and civic organizations to promote and support improvements in bilingual and ESL education.

Works with federal, state, and private agencies, organizations, and foundations to obtain grants and funds for innovative and research projects in bilingual and ESL education.

Performs related work as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of the current methods and trends in bilingual and ESL education at the elementary and secondary school levels.

Knowledge of the roles and objectives of bilingual and ESL education in a child’s educational development process.

Knowledge of the different teaching methods and techniques in bilingual and ESL education programs and of the strengths and weaknesses of these different teaching methods and techniques.

Knowledge of curriculum planning and curriculum development in bilingual and ESL education.

Knowledge of research and evaluation techniques as applied to bilingual and ESL education.

Knowledge of the physical, mental, and emotional growth and development of students at the elementary and secondary school levels as these pertain to bilingual education.

Knowledge of current literature, materials, equipment, research, and new developments in bilingual and ESL education areas.

Knowledge of basic administrative principles and practices, including knowledge of personnel management and work supervision.

Ability to plan, analyze, and develop goals and objectives to implement educational philosophies pertaining to bilingual and ESL education for elementary and secondary students throughout the state.

Ability to apply motivational theories and supervisory techniques in directing staff to improve and expand bilingual and ESL education programs.

Ability to analyze new developments in the areas of bilingual and ESL education in order to identify those new developments which merit additional study for possible implementation in bilingual and ESL programs of local school districts.
 
Ability to develop curriculum materials to implement new developments and practices in bilingual and ESL education appropriate for use in individual school districts as well as for statewide application.

Ability to plan, develop, and coordinate pilot programs and research activities in order to field test innovative approaches and new developments in bilingual and ESL education.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with educators, school administrators, parents, students, and others interested in bilingual and ESL education.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: One year as a Bilingual Education Advisor 1;

                                                                                                                                                  or

Five years of professional experience in the field of bilingual and ESL education, including at least two years of experience in the development and implementation of bilingual and/or ESL education curricula or programs;

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An equivalent combination of experience and training.